£30m Arsenal star broke his own record with ‘monumental’ performance v Liverpool

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Arsenal delivered an excellent performance to secure a vital victory over Liverpool on Sunday, and several players have received deserved praise.

Jorginho has been lauded for his display, whilst the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice also shone. With three different goalscorers in the victory, and Jorginho earning plenty of plaudits, it was easy for others to fly under the radar for their displays.

Captain Martin Odegaard is a prime example of a player whose display may have gone somewhat unnoticed. Whilst he did not provide any goals or assists on the day, his performance was vital to Arsenal’s win.

Martin Odegaard’s selfless performance against Liverpool

Odegaard shone creatively, creating three chances, including a big one for Kai Havertz, which eventually led to Bukayo Saka’s opening goal.

However, former Gunner Adrian Clarke has now highlighted the most important aspect of his display, explaining via club media that Odegaard had covered the most distance out of anyone on the pitch.

“As a team we also ran 116.8km, which was an astonishing 6.1km further than Jurgen Klopp’s table toppers, with skipper Odegaard leading by example,” he explained.

“Covering 12.75km himself, the Norwegian put in a monumental shift that was his personal best of the campaign, and the second highest individual figure overall.”

The only other player to have covered more ground in a single game was Leandro Trossard against Wolves, with 12.94km ran.

Odegaard’s importance in Arsenal victory over Liverpool

Despite not notching up a goal or assist to mae his importance obvious, Odegaard ran the show alongside Rice and Jorginho in the middle of the park.

His constant movement saw him push forward to join Havertz upfront at times when pressing, and by leading from the front, he eased the pressure on the back four, which saw Liverpool produce just one shot on target.

He caused problems for Liverpool in defence, whilst also doing his best to disrupt their build-up play, and blocking their attacks at the same time.

It was a display which may not have been obliviously good, but it was perhaps one of his most effective performances this season, and one which helped carry Arsenal to an important win.

Arsenal were told before the game that the match held extra significance in the title race, given the point gap below Liverpool, and the mental boost a win would give.

With the £30m midfielder leading his team with a selfless, hard-working and crucial display, Arsenal should now take more confidence going forward as they aim to compete with Liverpool and Manchester City.