Mikel Arteta has acknowledged the pivotal role Martin Odegaard plays in Arsenal’s performances, highlighting the Norwegian’s influence following a masterful display in their 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. Odegaard has been central to Arsenal’s system since his arrival, with Arteta shaping the team’s style and tactics around his unique abilities. His return from a two-month injury absence has clearly rejuvenated the squad, as evidenced by their commanding performance.
The club’s decision to exercise patience during Odegaard’s recovery, despite the temptation to reintegrate him prematurely, is now paying dividends. During his time away, Arsenal managed to maintain competitive form but lacked the fluidity and incisiveness Odegaard brings. His decision to forgo representing Norway during the last international break further underscored his focus on regaining full fitness, and the results were clear for all to see against Forest.
Arteta didn’t shy away from emphasising Odegaard’s value after the match. Speaking to BBC Sport, he remarked, “It’s not a coincidence. The team flows in a different way when he is playing.” This succinct statement encapsulates the transformative impact Ødegaard has on Arsenal’s gameplay, as his vision, passing, and leadership set the tempo for the team.
The Norwegian’s presence doesn’t just enhance individual performances; it elevates the entire squad. Players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli thrive in the attacking spaces Odegaard creates, while his composure on the ball inspires confidence throughout the team.
Arsenal’s challenge moving forward is to ensure Odegaard stays fit for the remainder of the campaign. His importance cannot be overstated, and with his influence, the team can push for consistency and reclaim the dynamic form that saw them excel last season. Every player must contribute effectively to capitalise on Odegaard’s brilliance, as his performances could be the key to Arsenal’s success.
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Forget about a new striker, from now on it is all about one player that will fire this team to where we were before his injury.
The gaffer must be given full credit in rescuing the Norwegian from the cemetery of talents
There is just something about this fitting name ‘Captain Odegaard’ , he’s back and so too is Arsenal.
Steady on Gunsmoke,
One good performance doesn’t make a season.
And as good as Odegaard can be, he will not single handedly create the chances for this team to score the goals needed.
And your forgetting, can you really rely on the likes of Jesus, Sterling, and Martinelli along with Havertz to score enough to sustain a title challenge.
I hope I’m wrong, but I just don’t see it.
“Forget about a new striker …” – what an example of short-term thinking! The need for one hasn’t changed because of the result against Forest.
Arsenal may well not have dropped as many points as they did recently if they had a “proper” striker (not someone running around the pitch wearing a No 9 shirt as currently).
It’s not either “goals from across the team” (like yesterday) or “goals from a striker” – it’s both that’s needed. We’ve all seen that recently when the former hasn’t happened for whatever reason(s), the latter isn’t there to even try and compensate.
Bertie,
Your flogging a dead horse here mate.
We’ve known for three seasons now, that we need a striker.
But the powers that be, still appear to have not received the memo.
Isn’t it funny how we can read the same words differently?
I assumed that Gunsmoke was trying to move away from the topic of Jesus’ paucity in front of goal which has been at the top of the agenda lately. Instead, there will be a focus on the really positive aspects of Odegaard returning not only to the team, but showing fine form as well.
I’m sure once the transfer window opens it will be non stop striker articles
At the risk of just a little more flogging of the striker dead horse – I wonder where Liverpool would have been today had they not had a “proper” striker in Salah? Arsenal has been in not dissimilar situations, but we know what happened – or rather didn’t. Just saying.
Bertie, wouldn’t you say that Saka and Salah are both the same type of player and are both of immense importance to their clubs.
Now, if Liverpool, without a “recognised” striker, are currently eight points ahead in the PL, shouldn’t we have a little more faith in our forward line, led by a player, in Saka, who is world class without any doubt, just like Salah?