Mikel Arteta warned Arsenal wouldn’t be a top-four Premier League side if he didn’t have one player

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Arsenal have grander ambitions than simply finishing in the top four of the Premier League these days. 

In his time at the helm at the Emirates Stadium, Mikel Arteta has turned the Gunners into genuine Premier League title contenders once again.

Having finished as runners up in each of the last two seasons, Arsenal went into this campaign with their sights firmly set on the Premier League crown. However, poor recent form has left them on the back foot as far as the title race is concerned. 

That being said, former Chelsea forward Tony Cascarino has now claimed that the title would be a complete pipe dream for Arsenal if it weren’t for the influence of one player.

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

Martin Odegaard vital to Arsenal hopes

Cascarino is convinced that Martin Odegaard is the player that gives the Gunners even the slightest hope of being crowned Premier League champions. 

Arsenal certainly suffered whilst Odegaard was injured earlier this season, but were able to cruise past Nottingham Forest on Saturday with the Norwegian back to full fitness and restored to the starting XI.

Speaking on talkSPORT, the former Republic of Ireland international said: “From the moment the game started, Odegaard was just so vital. He made Saka shine, he gave him the ball early, he sits on his shoulder. He finds space. From there, everything opened up.

“It was a joy to watch. He’s so gifted. His technical ability is extraordinary, his left foot is a wand. He actually talks a lot in the game as well.

“If they don’t have Odegaard, they don’t make Champions League football, in my opinion. He’s that vital.”

Would Arsenal reach the Champions League without Odegaard?

There is a great deal of quality in Arteta’s squad beyond Odegaard. There is a case to be made that the likes of Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and William Saliba can all be called world-class players.

However, the Gunners’ miserable form whilst Odegaard was sidelined, and the dramatic improvement that has been seen upon his return, tells its own story.

Without the 25-year-old, Arsenal did not produce performances befitting a side capable on finishing in the top four and earning Champions League qualification, never mind winning the title.

Arsenal fans appreciate Odegaard’s importance, as will Arteta. The Spanish coach will now be desperately hoping that the club captain can remain fit for the rest of the campaign.