Arsenal are passing every test - and Odegaard is in form of his life
Another Arsenal win, another Martin Odegaard goal - the Gunners captain looks back to his best, writes Phil McNulty.
Arsenal have been one game away from achieving the dream double of Premier League and Champions League last season, but Martin Odegaard's brilliance was marred by injuries and poor form. As the team aims for another Premier League title, Odegaard is in stellar form this season and starting the new campaign in top shape. If Arsenal can replicate their Champions League triumph, even with only a penalty loss to Paris Saint-Germain, what can they achieve with their captain leading the charge domestically and in Europe?
Odegaard made a crucial contribution in Arsenal's 1-0 win against Napoli, scoring a stunning left-foot strike 15 minutes from time. Last season, he was hampered by knee and shoulder injuries, playing only 36 games in all competitions and scoring just one goal with seven assists. In contrast, Odegaard has been a different player this season, scoring in matches against Manchester City, Coventry City, Chelsea, and Napoli. His leadership and creativity have been instrumental in Arsenal's impressive start to the season.
Former Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha noted that Odegaard is almost playing like someone with something to prove, eager to improve upon his personal performance last season and become the first Arsenal captain to lift the Champions League trophy. Onuoha believes that when Odegaard is at his best, Arsenal reaches new heights.
The team has faced tough Champions League assignments, including matches against Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, but with Odegaard in top form, Arsenal appears poised to overcome every challenge and achieve great success.
Written by urgent.news from BBC Sport Football's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
