Wayne Rooney believes that Martin Odegaard was the real difference maker for Arsenal as they defeated West Ham United.
The North London club are now within touching distance of their first Premier League title in 22 years as they won away at West Ham.
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Leandro Trossard netted the winning goal in the 83rd minute, although VAR did controversially disallow Callum Wilson’s stoppage-time equaliser.
But despite the Belgian being the match-winner, Rooney has highlighted the performance of Odegaard as the real determining factor at the London Stadium.
Wayne Rooney says Martin Odegaard made the difference vs West Ham
Wayne Rooney claims Martin Odegaard showed real quality on several occasions versus West Ham as he stepped up to win the game for Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta’s team lost control of the game after Ben White went off injured after 27 minutes; however, the introduction of Odegaard changed that.
Speaking about the game, Rooney told BBC Sport: “For me, the big difference in why they won the game was Odegaard. He hasn’t been in his best form this season, but he came on, and he showed two or three bits of real quality.
“In terms of his passing, his decision making when to hold the ball, when to play the ball and then obviously his composure in the penalty box for Trossard’s goal.”
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His performance has now left Arteta with some thinking to do as to whether he starts Eberechi Eze or his captain in the number ten in Budapest on May 30.
Martin Odegaard proved Arsenal doubters wrong vs West Ham
But for the majority of the season, Arsenal fans have criticised Odegaard, but he stepped up and proved his importance in East London.
“That’s the difference, he’s the captain of Arsenal. He’s probably not happy with the season in terms of how it’s gone for him personally.
“He’s been left as captain to be left out of the team. It’s not a great thing, but he showed his professionalism, came on and showed real quality when Arsenal needed it. So I think that was the difference.”
Hopefully, this can now be the moment to reignite his season for the final few games after his match-winning assist.
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