Arsenal vs. Olympiakos Piraeus

The Gunners wasted a series of chances, with Cesc Fabregas firing against the bar and Antonis Nikopolidis making a succession of saves for the Greek side.

Van Persie finally broke the deadlock with 12 minutes left, slotting home Eduardo's cross after a neat move.

Arshavin made it 2-0 with a clever flick, despite appearing to be offside.

The win continues Arsenal's 100% start to their European campaign and they sit on top of their group after AZ Alkmaar drew with Standard Liege.

At times, their approach play was breathtaking, with Arshavin in particular standing out as he mixed crisp one-touch passing with the ability to run at - and often straight through - the visitors' defence.

But the Gunners' finishing was a different story and, although 38-year-old Nikopolidis made a string of stops, their failure to break the deadlock until the 78th minute was more down to poor finishing than any inspirational goalkeeping.

Arshavin was the first to test the former Greek international, firing in a first-time shot after a sublime pass by Fabregas was followed by some equally deft skill by Gael Clichy.

Nikopolidis was beaten soon afterwards when Fabregas sent his shot crashing against the crossbar, but he recovered to acrobatically keep out Tomas Rosicky's follow-up.

The chances continued to flow for Arsene Wenger's men, with Arshavin's low effort tipped wide after a mazy dribble into the box before Fabregas was denied again following another neat build-up.

It took Olympiakos 34 minutes to manage an meaningful attack of their own, with Vassilis Torosidis heading straight at Vito Mannone from Dudu's deep cross.

But Arsenal were soon back on the attack and ended the half in the same way they began it, with Van Persie firing over before Vassiriki Diaby headed wastefully wide when unmarked in front of goal.

The Greek champions did fashion the first opening of the second half, with Mannone doing well to scoop away Olof Mellberg's header on his goalline as Vassilis Torosidis prepared to pounce.

But they spent the remainder of the game on the back-foot, desperately trying to contain wave after wave of attacks.

Nikopolidis made further stops from Van Persie and Diaby but the home side remained patient and eventually got their reward.

Fabregas slid subsitute Eduardo clear down the left and he squared the ball for Van Persie to slam the ball home from close range. Olympiakos tried to respond but only succeeded in leaving gaps at the back and they were punished further with four minutes to go.

Arshavin appeared a yard offside when he skilfully turned in a low Fabregas cross but he deserved his goal after an impressive individual performance.