Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard was the star of the show in the Gunners’ 2-0 win over Olympiacos in the Champions League.
In place of Eberechi Eze, Martin Odegaard returned to Mikel Arteta’s starting eleven following his recent shoulder injury.
And from the first whistle, it was clear that Odegaard was fighting for his starting spot in Arteta’s team.
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Arteta admitted that Eze plays best in central positions recently, meaning Odegaard’s role is under threat.
Ethan Nwaneri is also vying for the Arsenal captain’s number 10 spot, and there’s now a fair bit of pressure on the Norwegian.
And on evidence of Wednesday night, he’s well-equipped to cope.
Martin Keown enjoyed seeing Martin Odegaard play with freedom vs Olympiacos
Watching the game for TNT Sports, Arsenal legend Martin Keown made an interesting comment about Odegaard’s performance.
Usually, Arsenal’s number 10, playing behind either Kai Havertz or Viktor Gyokeres, is tasked with leading the press – a vital role under Arteta.
However, Odegaard seemed to be playing with a lot of freedom against Olympiacos – he wasn’t on the right hugging his winger, he was all over the pitch finding pockets.
Photo by Vince Mignott/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
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And when speaking after the match, Keown really enjoyed seeing Odegaard playing with a bit more freedom.
He said: “He didn’t do the pressing he normally does, which gave him more time. I think it’s a better set-up. He was quite magnificent, really making Arsenal tick.”
Along with the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Odegaard has often sacrificed a lot of his creative talent in order to help the rest of the team in terms of their defensive structure.
But if anything, this was a bit of a throwback Odegaard display – he was unleashed as an old-school maverick.
Martin Odegaard already appears to have a connection with Viktor Gyokeres
Thus far, owing to Odegaard’s injury, Arsenal fans have not often seen their captain play alongside their new striker Gyokeres.
But on Wednesday’s viewing, it seems as if the Scandinavian pair could form quite the connection on the pitch.
Odegaard seemed to recognise Gyokeres’ runs in behind quicker than others, and the Swede probably should have bagged a goal during the 90 minutes.
But it was a promising night all round for Arsenal, and Arteta’s squad definitely looks strong enough to compete on all fronts.
Arsenal fans think Eze’s arrival has awakened Odegaard, and it’s clear that having better competition in the squad will be very beneficial.
Arsenal’s fixture list has been fairly forgiving thus far, but the games will soon come thick and fast throughout the months leading up to Christmas.