Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard have developed a fine on-field chemistry that is greatly appreciated by Arsenal fans. While it is difficult to assess what their relationship is like away from football, their understanding during matches is obvious. When either player is in possession, there is often an immediate search for the other, creating moments that can be visually impressive and technically sharp.
At times, this connection produces attractive football and highlights the trust between two of Arsenal’s most important players. Their awareness of each other’s movement and positioning has contributed to several strong performances, reinforcing the perception that they operate almost instinctively when playing together.
When Chemistry Becomes Limiting
However, this close relationship on the pitch has started to raise concerns. When both players feature together, they often appear overly focused on finding each other rather than involving the wider team. This tendency can become frustrating, particularly when clearer options are available elsewhere. Interestingly, when one or both are absent, Arsenal often look more balanced, with replacement players distributing play more evenly across the pitch.
In those situations, the team functions as a more cohesive unit, with attacks flowing through multiple channels rather than being concentrated between two individuals. This contrast suggests that while chemistry is valuable, it can become restrictive if it narrows a team’s attacking focus.
The Need for Broader Collaboration
Arsenal require strong on field chemistry, but it should extend beyond a single partnership. Saka and Odegaard are expected to build the same level of understanding with their other teammates, ensuring that the entire squad benefits from their quality. In recent seasons, their play has at times appeared too inward-looking, which may explain why Odegaard struggles when Saka is unavailable and vice versa.
This dynamic has also affected the team’s overall shape. Arsenal’s left wing is often less effective, as a significant portion of attacking play is channelled down the right side where Saka operates. As a midfielder, Odegaard holds a central and influential role, one that demands vision and inclusivity.
To maximise Arsenal’s potential, Odegaard in particular must broaden his approach. Reducing predictability and engaging more consistently with all attacking options would make the team harder to defend against. Chemistry should elevate the collective, not limit it to two players.
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I am not saying it doesn’t work, it does but at the expense of balance and variation. Odergaard unbalances the attack, he predominantly sticks to the right side and works mainly the same areas of the pitch all too often. He is our main pivot between defence and attacks, so favouring one side, makes our attack readable and unbalanced. Is it by design? If it is, Why?
Correct…the middle of the park when they play remains vacant with nobody in the actual CAM position. Also makes it easier to defend for the opposition as they know exactly where to double up
Thats my reading of it. I am not advocating Eze, because he hasn’t done enough but when he plays we attack down both sides more. And he plays more central, when not stuck on the wing.
Odegaard plays as a right midfielder. Naturally, he’ll be positionally closer to the right winger and the right back hence combine with them more.Most of our fans see Odegaard as a 10 when that position doesn’t quite exist in Arteta’s system. We have a right 8 and left 8.
What we should be looking at is ensuring we have a similar triangle on the left side. We had it with Zinchenko- Xhaka- Martinelli in 2022/23. We saw glimpses of this against Palace with Myles-Eze-Martinelli.
There’s nothing wrong with what Saka and Odegaard have. We just need to replicate it on the other side.
Very true, while odegaard’s ball distribution only focusing aon the right side , saka has been selfish in some ovassions
You made me pay attention to this issue hereafter. I heard the Nordic connection between Odegaard and Gyokeres is more appealing due to similarity of languages. A few hours ago here you produced an article praising the excellence of Trossard this season. Does it mean Trossard tend to shine in the absence of Odegaard?
I pointed out that Saka was not the player he has been after the Wolves game and met with some negative comments.
We have been favouring the right hand side ever since Saka burst onto the scene and Odegaard has made it even more so.
We also had/have White and Timber forming a great partnership with Saka and all this shows, in my opinion, what a great player he is to have in your team.
However I feel that this was to the detriment of the left side, as Odegaard’s stats prove he favours the right side when he plays.
Watch how Dennis Bergkamp played in a similar role and you will see how he brought both sides, along with the centre, into the game.
Saka and Odegaard rely on each other, but the latter more so.
I’m not sure if Eze would improve the right left bias, but it’s worth thinking about.
You don’t seem to understand that Odegaard is a right number 8.