Arsenal were supremely comfortable in their 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
The Gunners got back to winning ways in the Premier League this weekend, after their poor form prior to the international break.
Mikel Arteta is convinced that Arsenal benefitted from the international break, not least because it gave the likes of Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka an opportunity to get back to full fitness.
Both players were able to deliver against Forest. Saka wowed Arsenal fans with his opening goal, having been assisted by Odegaard, who pulled the strings throughout for the North London outfit.
Arsenal fans hail Martin Odegaard after Nottingham Forest
Arsenal fans missed Odegaard whilst he was injured, and his absence was certainly keenly felt on the pitch. The Gunners lacked creativity and guile in their play without the Norwegian’s influence.
As such, it was no surprise to see Arsenal fans on X celebrating the former Real Madrid man being back to his best against Nottingham Forest, with many suggesting that the captain is in fact the most important player at the club.
One said: “My season ticket is worth the money just to watch Odegaard. Gives this team life.”
Another claimed: “Martin Odegaard proved today why he could really be the difference maker in this title race. Excellent display from him, while Saka was superb too!”
One Arsenal supporter stated: “Arsenal are back to being a fluid attacking team with Odegaard back in the mix… Who could’ve thought?”
Another added: “Just the 6 chances created and 1 assist today for Martin Odegaard. To come back at this level having not played since August? Sign of a truly exceptional footballer.”
How Mikel Arteta must handle Odegaard
Whilst Odegaard is now fit again, it may be the case that he has to still be handled with additional care for a time, to prevent his injury flaring up again.
Arteta must certainly take care not to overburden the skipper. Arsenal fans are right about his importance to the team, and it is vital that he is able to remain fit and firing for the rest of the campaign.
Fortunately, Ethan Nwaneri has now shown that he is ready to step up for Arsenal, having scored his first Premier League goal against Nottingham Forest.
Nwaneri has been mentored by Odegaard at Arsenal, and the Hale End academy wonderkid may well be viewed as the eventual heir to the Norway international, but in the meantime he can serve as a valuable understudy.
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