If Arsenal are to win the Premier League title this season, then all of Mikel Arteta’s star players will have to be at their best throughout the upcoming campaign.
The margin for error at the top of the Premier League is so narrow these days that one poor result can derail a season. After all, the difference between Arsenal and Manchester City at the end of last season – only two points – was defined by a single result.
The Gunners will need to hit the ground running and not slow down if they are to be crowned champions this time around. However, there is no shortage of people who believe that Mikel Arteta’s side have what it takes.
Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has backed Arsenal for the title, ahead of Manchester City.
Three ESPN pundits have also tipped Arsenal for Premier League glory, including Stewart Robson, who represented the North London outfit in his own playing days.
Former Scotland striker Ally McCoist has now added his voice to this chorus of support.
Ally McCoist hails Martin Odegaard in double Arsenal prediction
Speaking on talkSPORT, when asked to predict who would be named the Premier League player of the season at the end of the forthcoming campaign, McCoist began by stating: “I’ve picked Arsenal to win the league.”
He then went on to say: “They’ll need big seasons. The two centre-backs, fabulous. Obviously Calafiori as well, he’ll be a great addition to it. Ben White, solid. Middle of the park, Declan Rice will need to have another terrific season. Saka, obviously.
“I’m going to go for Odegaard, who I think is a wonderful, wonderful football player. I think he’s really easy to watch, brilliant, drifts, makes himself space, intelligent use of the ball, great vision. I’m going to go for him as my player of the year”
Martin Odegaard is the Gunners’ club captain, and is a talismanic figure at the Emirates Stadium. The Norwegian playmaker pulls the strings for Arteta’s side in the final third, and will be integral to any success that the club might enjoy this season.
How important is Odegaard to Arsenal?
Odegaard’s importance to Arsenal can scarcely be overstated, not just due to his own quality, but also because Arteta lacks a proven back up option for the former Real Madrid man.
Fabio Vieira ought to excel in that part of the pitch, but the Portuguese ace has failed to impress on any kind of consistent basis since joining Arsenal.
Meanwhile, Hale End wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri is being prepared for a key role by Arteta, but it is far too early to expect him to be able to fill Odegaard’s boots should the skipper be stricken by injury or suspension.
Odegaard has been mentoring Nwaneri, though, and his time will surely come. As for now, though, Arsenal need Odegaard fit and firing on all cylinders perhaps more than they need any other player.
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