Martin Odegaard truly was missed after whimsical return against Chelsea
Martin Odegaard showed Arsenal fans what they were truly missing versus Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Martin Odegaard was instrumental in the lead up to Arsenal’s opener before it was cancelled out by Pedro Neto’s equaliser in the final 20 minutes of the 1-1 draw.
The Arsenal captain flew a cross from just outside the box towards Gabriel Martinelli who within seconds fired in Arsenal’s goal at the near side of Robert Sanchez’s post (60’).
Ten minutes later Neto dented Arsenals hopes of three points, slamming his shot from outside the box into the bottom left corner of David Raya’s goal.
Despite only a point being earned, it could’ve been zero without the creative aid of Odegaard, who’s been missing since the first International Break this season in September.
The media were in awe with the performance of Odegaard.
The London Standard issued him 8/10 rating handing out the “Star player” award. This is how they described his match “started his first game for Arsenal since August- and showed why he’s been such a miss. Created Martinelli’s goal with a lovely dinked pass. Somehow played 90 minutes, too. Captain’s performance.”
Sky Sports were also impressed with his display awarding him a generous 8/10 too.
However BBC Sport were more stringent with their ratings showing a 6.74 for Odegaard instead, (not even a seven!).
It was no surprise he received such praise.
He was commanding in midfield and couldn’t have displayed better positioning on the pitch at times which Arsenal has arguably struggled with alongside his vast creativity, when he was missing from action.
Liam Harding
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“Despite only a point being earned, it could’ve been zero without the creative aid of Odegaard…”. First, was it really a point earned or two lost, I wonder? Anyway, yes, I think Arsenal did miss him and it showed upon his return, even when he lacked game time of course, against Chelsea. I’d have given him a 7/10 at least.
Wonderful performance by “captain creative” considering he is just returning from injury..Quite unusual to put up such combertive and physical performance. 8/10 because of his trade mark assist. Odegard effortlessly connect Arsenal midfield and inspires Arsenal attack.
It was better than I expected considering it was his first game after a long lay off. He showed what we were missing and while not at his best I would give him 7.
Flawless performance,I just hope he isn’t called up for Norway for international games.we need him for our up coming games.coyg
I rate captain fantastic 9/10 performance
Not just his assist, but his leadership on the pitch. Notice him directing teammates where to go? Covering gaps, calling up to press, etc… his intangibles are off the charts, so much more that he brings than just moving the ball.
Everyone in self denial. He was way off par. Gets an assist and people go ga ga. He hid for most of the match. He turns up for International Duties, and guess what???? The Norwegian medical staff assess Odegaard, and deem Odegaard nowhere near medically fit to play. That says alot about SUPER DOOPER MIKEL ARTETA and his MEDICAL STAFF at ARSENAL. Declan Rice plays with a broken toe. Benjamin White has been playing with what was a niggling knee injury for months. It slowly gets worse,,leading up to knee surgery. Bloody hell,,,, you couldn’t make this shite up. Mikel Arteta and the circus 🤹♂️ 🤹♂️ 🤹♂️ are still in London. Jasper Edu just jumped a sinking ship 🛳 🛳 🛳 . Five years of a so-called PHASE and TRUST THE PROCESS. Sorry folks,, no such thing in FOOTBALL. I’m terribly sorry to break that to you. Mikel Arteta and his disciples will take Arsenal Football Club back 5 YEARS. I can’t get over how gullible the Arsenal Fanbase are on Social Media gassing up Mikel Arteta and mediocre players. How embarrassing is it when the goalkeeper (David Raya) is the best performing player thus so far this season. Raya has saved Arsenal from embarrassment. It won’t be long and this guy will regress under Mikel Arteta like so many other players. It’s seems to be the same old story with Arteta in charge. 800 million spent so far,,, and not a minor TROPHY to show for it. How long does this go on for before people wake up to smell the coffee
Not a happy chappy pjennings 😊
I thought it was Odegaard who decided he wasn’t ready for international football? Anyway, I’m glad he’s taking it easy. The Norwegian medical staff made light of his ankle injury in the first place so I don’t have much faith in their assessment either. I’m a big fan of Odegaard and whether or not he was at his best , I was just happy to see him back.
Hope you are ok by the way
Yes Sue. I’ve liked Odegaard from day one when he first started at Arsenal on loan. I remember half the fanbase at odds when Arsenal wanted Odegaard permanently. I’m fine. Stuck in a motel room in Indonesia. We are playing Indonesia in a World Cup Qualifying match in under 4 hours. It’s hot, and the humidity is an absolute killer. We’ve been told Tomiyasu is 90% or there abouts ready. Barring the match against Australia, he hasn’t been missed. I hope all is well in your neck of the woods