Mikel Arteta believes his summer purchase makes his teammates ‘better’ after witnessing Martin Odegaard perform another quiet midfield mastery, this time guiding Arsenal to a 2-0 victory against Leicester.
Arsenal manager Arteta praised Ødegaard as reported by Fabrizio Romano: “He was terrific again in every aspect – what he had to do in defending, in build-up phases, the way he understands & manages the game”.
The Norway international garnered plenty of ‘whoas’ from the Emirates Stadium spectators as he showed off his entire portfolio of precise handles and eye-of-the-needle delivering on a day when the Gunners marched to victory.
At the Emirates, the Norwegian was truly astounding. Leicester played Nampalys Mendy ostensibly to block Odegaard from dictating the game, but it didn’t hinder Arsenal’s no. 8, who was the finest player on the field from beginning to end.
Odegaard had a game-high six opportunities and converted 27 passes in the final third. Although without having a single chance, he assisted defensively by making one interception and three tackles.
The fact that Arsenal ‘only’ paid Real Madrid £30 million to acquire Odegaard on a permanent deal is beginning to appear like a very good trade.
While Arteta would not go so far as to term the 23-year-old a ‘bargain,’ he has acknowledged that he is not astonished by the player’s ability after guiding him during his loan stay last season.
Arteta has managed to get five wins together in a stretch in the league which is rare since taking over as coach in December 2019. While his team achieved the feat towards the end of last season, this recent run promises to be more noteworthy. It not only keeps us in contention for a spot in the Champions League but also highlights how every player is developing a greater grasp of their various roles on the field. While his team achieved the feat towards the end of last season, this recent run promises to be more noteworthy. It not only keeps us in contention for a spot in the Champions League but also highlights how every player is developing a greater grasp of their various roles on the field.
