Martin Odegaard was a big reason why Arsenal looked close to their best against Man City as the Norwegian captain produced a very solid performance.
The Gunners will have come away from the Etihad Stadium gutted by the 2-1 scoreline, but feeling rather positive about the way they played.
🤔 TRUE or FALSE: Martin Odegaard must START every Arsenal game after his display vs Man City?
Arsenal went to Manchester, giving it a real good go, and perhaps on another day, they might have come away with a positive result.
Odegaard was one of the standout performers from the Gunners during the defeat, and he showed why Mikel Arteta must utilise him in each of the remaining five games.
Martin Odegaard must start each of Arsenal’s last five matches
Martin Odegaard must start each of Arsenal’s last five matches following his impressive performance against Manchester City.
The £35 million midfielder produced some impressive stats for Arsenal, and it’s clear his presence in the number ten role helped the team in attack.
Along with Kai Havertz leading the line, the Gunners seemed to press City with much greater intent than they have done in the last couple of matches.
The North London club needed to make a strong start at the Etihad, and aside from Rayan Cherki’s goal, they certainly did that through Odegaard.
The Arsenal captain led the way in terms of most passes completed, most chances created, most ball recoveries and also final third passes completed.
💭 How many points will Arsenal and Man City take from the next five matches?
Over the 90 minutes, Odegaard created four big chances for the Gunners, and will be frustrated that he didn’t come away with at least one assist.
His ball to set up Havertz for the one-on-one, which was saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma, was perhaps a little overweighted, but that looked like the chance to come away with something.
But just generally, Arsenal looked so much more positive with Odegaard in the number ten, and in the final five matches, he could be the difference maker.
It will just be about whether he can remain fit, with the 27-year-old having missed 24 matches this season, with six separate issues.
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