Martin Odegaard sends Arsenal reminder as Viktor Gyokeres understanding builds | OneFootball

Gunners captain’s influence has been overlooked amid frustrating injury issues, but ‘phenomenal’ performance against Olympiacos proved his quality

Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings

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When Martin Odegaard is in this kind of form for Arsenal, there is little anyone can do to stop him.

Odegaard had a big hand in Arsenal’s opening goal in the 2-0 win, sliding a pass into Viktor Gyokeres before Gabriel Martinelli tapped in the rebound.

The only blot on Odegaard’s copybook was that he did not score himself, somehow failing to convert from a few yards out.

After Arsenal’s big summer spend and a recurring shoulder injury, Odegaard’s importance has perhaps been overlooked in the early part of this season.

Odegaard is the man who makes Arsenal tick

This, however, was a timely reminder of just how vital he is, because the Norwegian is the man who makes them tick.

On Wednesday, no player had more touches, more passes in the final third, more crosses, or won possession more than Odegaard. He was also top for chances created.

In the first half especially, the Arsenal skipper repeatedly found pockets of space between Olympiacos’ midfield and defence, to the extent that he could have had a hat-trick of assists.

“He’s got all the licence in the world to go forward, Martin, and to play with that freedom and to play with that level of threat especially,” said Arteta.

“Not only with the passes, but the way he was taking the ball, carrying the ball, making runs, and arriving in really dangerous areas.

“I think that creative part is his nature, so it doesn’t bring any pressure to him because it’s his best ability to generate things that not a lot of players can do.

“And he has total freedom from my side to explore, to tailor his game, to feel the moment, and to know where to generate those spaces. I think he’s certainly done that in the last two games.”

Many of Odegaard’s best moments came when he found Gyokeres, who despite not scoring caused Olympiacos problems.

The pair have not had much time to build an understanding due to Odegaard’s shoulder injury, but this was an encouraging display.

Odegaard seemed to revel in having a striker willing to run in behind. Likewise, Gyokeres thrived on having a playmaker constantly looking for him.

“I think we have to play to our qualities,” said Arteta. “And we have a front three with that pace, with those timings in the runs. We have plays we can activate, and we have to do that 100 per cent.”

Growing understanding: Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Odegaard linked up well for Arsenal against Olympiacos

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Odegaard struggled at times last season, mainly due to Arsenal’s injury crisis. The midfielder was sidelined for three months with an ankle issue, and when he returned he suffered as the attackers around him were struck down - namely Kai Havertz and Saka.

Arsenal lacked the depth they have now and Odegaard’s output duly dipped. The club’s summer splurge has changed that and, suddenly, Odegaard has weapons ahead of him again.

That was evident on Wednesday, with Arteta able to bring on Eberechi Eze and Saka for the final 20 minutes. They raised the tempo and lifted Odegaard, who was starting his first game since early last month.

An assist for Saka rounded off a perfect night for Odegaard and Arsenal, who maintained their 100 per cent record in the Champions League.