Mikel Arteta faced the media after Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The Gunners were desperate to record a victory over their London rivals, not just for bragging rights of the city.
It’s now four Premier League games without a win for Arteta’s side, who sit nine points below league leaders Liverpool.
Being so far behind the summit is not where Arsenal would have wanted to be heading into the November international break, with plenty to improve when play resumes.
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Mikel Arteta praises Martin Odegaard vs Chelsea
It was a day that will leave many associated with Arsenal feeling deflated however, it wasn’t all doom and gloom for the Gunners.
Martin Odegaard made his return to the starting XI after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, building on his few minutes at the San Siro earlier in the week.
The captain had an instant influence on proceedings, providing a sublime assist for Gabriel Martinelli’s goal, a pass that very few could have executed.
It wasn’t only the skipper’s pass that was unique, but also his performance as a whole, according to Arteta.
Speaking to the media after the draw, the manager praised Odegaard’s ability to slot straight back into the team and impress.
“I don’t know any other player in the league who is capable of doing that after six weeks out,” Arteta said when applauding the Norway international.
The man with the armband certainly led by example in attack and all over the pitch, putting in a magnificent amount of effort on his return to Premier League action.
Odegaard made an instant impact on Arsenal return
Arsenal have certainly missed Odegaard, operating as a team lacking attacking spark without their key creator.
Before the match, Paul Merson dubbed Odegaard ‘world-class’ for what he offers his teammates in the final third, something he displayed shortly after on the pitch.
Spotting Martinelli in space on the edge of a crowded box was one thing, but to then execute the perfect pass was another.
Arsenal have missed their captain tremendously, with his return hopefully spelling the start of better days for the Gunners.
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