Paul Merson tips his hat to ‘special’ Arsenal star who ‘worked as hard as anybody’ vs Wolves

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal started their Premier League campaign in style with a 2-0 win over Wolves at the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta’s side started the season as they meant to go on with an assured victory over Wolves in North London. 

Seeing Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka on the scoreline won’t come as a surprise to many, as the two forwards combined to ensure the three points remained in the capital.

Aside from the goalscorers on the opening day, there were several commendable performances, one of which came from Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard. 

• READ MORE: Arsenal player ratings vs Wolves: 9/10 hero steals the show but 5/10 attacker fails to impress

Paul Merson praised Martin Odegaard’s performance against Wolves

Against Wolves, Odegaard completed two key passes and registered 52 touches on the ball, via Sofascore, however, he stole the show in areas beyond his playmaking ability. 

The Norweigan was praised early into the fixture by pundit Paul Merson, who applauded the midfielder’s work ethic when pressing high for the Gunners as he covered the game on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday. 

Merson described Odegaard as a “special talent” as he impressed against the Midlands club.

“Special talent, he worked as hard as anybody, chasing down the goalkeeper, it’s going to be a long afternoon for Wolves.”

The 25-year-old led by example on the pitch, picking up where he left off last term with a clear aim to push for glory with this team. 

Odegaard is indispensable to Arsenal

From his spellbinding touches on the ball to his ability to find space in the most compact of areas, Odegaard is an integral cog in Arteta’s machine.

Not only is the former Real Madrid starlet elevating his game on the pitch but is finding an even greater level when it comes to his leadership qualities. 

• READ MORE: Everything to know on Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard from girlfriend to £65k car

Merson praised the playmaker’s tireless approach to pressing against Wolves, always being present when Gary O’Neil’s side attempted to play calmly out from the back.

Leaving the game with three points will please the Norway international, with the only thing missing from his display being a goal contribution, something the Gunners have become so accustomed to seeing from Odegaard.

Arsenal’s key creator certainly started as he means to go on against Wolves, with his energising presence guiding Arteta’s squad to an opening day win.