Hector Bellerin believes controlling possession against Olympiacos will be key to qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League.
The Gunners need to beat the Greek champions by two goals, or win by a one-goal margin and score at least three times, if they are to qualify from Group F.
Arsene Wenger’s side dominated possession during Saturday’s 3-1 win against Sunderland, and Bellerin is confident that Arsenal can win at Karaiskakis Stadium with a similarly commanding performance.
“We’ve proved already that we’re a team who are very dangerous when we have the ball,” the 20-year-old told the Final Whistle. “We need to try to do that at Olympiacos by having possession and creating chances.
“I’m sure that the ball is going to go in and that we’re going to go home with a win. That’s very important, that the team is in the mood for it and that the team wants to get out of the group stages. We know that, as the players who represent Arsenal Football Club, we need to be up for the job.”
Saturday’s win was Bellerin’s fourth start since returning from a groin strain at the start of November, and the defender says he is getting back to his best form in time for Wednesday’s decider in Greece.
“After the injury it’s important to get a good run of games and get the rhythm back again,” he said. “It’s important to get the three points as well because that helps you a lot.
“You need to go step by step to get the rhythm that you had before and I’m pleased with my performance against Sunderland. I know there’s more to come and now we are just focused on the game on Wednesday because it’s a really important one for us.”
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