After providing his eighth assist of the season, it was unsurprising that Mikel Arteta took the opportunity to hail Bukayo Saka in his post-match press conference, praising his development in recent weeks.

But whilst the academy product received his manager's plaudits, one player whose contributions shouldn't be forgotten in Thursday night's 1-0 victory over Olympiacos, is Matteo Guendouzi.

The Frenchman has been in the news over the past week for reportedly getting into a heated argument with Arteta on the club's winter break out in Dubai. The fact he was dropped altogether from the squad that beat Newcastle seemed to reinforce that notion too.

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But on Thursday, Guendouzi made a swift return to first-team action, and in a hostile atmosphere, helped to silence the crowd.

As per Sofascore, he had 60 touches of the ball and had an 89% pass accuracy, often being seen trying to tick things over and offer the likes of David Luiz and Shkodran Mustafi an easy pass into central midfield.

Whenever the Greek side looked to press aggressively and high up the pitch, Guendouzi took charge of the situation, bypassing them with a quick pass around the corner, beating them with a dribble, or drawing them in for a foul (he earned the joint-most free-kicks for his side with two).

European games away from home can be a notoriously tricky test, as you understandably come up against a side you don't play on a regular basis, and in front of a crowd who are as passionate they can be.

Winning the 50/50 moments can quite often be so crucial in dictating how much of a part the supporters can play. Be weak, and lose out on those contests, and the fans will get up. But win them, and it can sap them of energy. And Guendouzi was the absolute epitome of that.

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Whilst Granit Xhaka lost all four of the duels he was involved in, Guendouzi won all five (two on the ground, and three in the air). The Frenchman refused to be bullied and put his foot in whenever needed, not settling for anything other than winning the ball.

He showed Arteta that he can still be a major part of this team, and more importantly, showed the kind of attitude and spirit that will have vindicated the Spaniard's decision to drop him against Newcastle.

Whilst Saka may take home a lot of the credit, Guendouzi was truly the unsung hero of the Gunners' away win against Olympiacos. He was combative, assured and energetic. And Arteta now has a real midfield selection dilemma going forward.

Meanwhile, Arsenal fans discuss this starlet's shocking display against Olympiacos.