Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised captain Martin Odegaard after his brilliant performance in Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League.
In what was the Spanish coach 250th game in charge of the Gunners, Odegaard who was making his first appearance at the Emirates in over a month was very influential as they scored three unreplied goals to claim maximum point.
“To have this kind of player [like Odegaard] in the team is always the right time. We talk about fluidity, understanding, chemistry, timing, he’s one of the best to do that.
To manage the tempo of the game, when to slow it down, when to control it. Obviously he’s been missed”, he said.
The Norwegian who had an astounding game provided the assist for Bukayo Saka’s opener before Thomas Partey and teenage sensation Ethan Nwaneri added further goals to pile misery on their opponents.
“Obviously, when he’s on the team, you can sense something that is different. It’s difficult to put a finger on it, but it’s different.”
Arsenal’s poor run of form came at a time when the 25-year old was out injured and Arteta emphasized the importance of having the captain available for selection.
“He doesn’t surprise me because I see him every day, how he looks at himself, how much he wants it, the energy that he puts in and the courage that he has to play in any circumstances”, he added.
Mikel Arteta will hope his captain continues his brilliance when they travel to Sporting Lisbon in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.
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