Martin Odegard returned to the side and put in the man from the performance of the Arsenal match as he defeated the Olympiacos 2-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday night
Martin Odegard acknowledged that the increased squad depth at Arsenal this season has affected his performance against the Olympiacos. The Gunners won back-to-back Champions League victories on Wednesday night, but there was no doubt who the show’s star was.
Odegaard returned to the starting lineup after suffering a shoulder injury to help Arsenal contributed to his 2-0 victory. It was his through ball that sent Viktor Gyokeres to the goal, and Gabriel Martinelli tapped in the opener, with the Norwegian setting the goal for Bukayo Saka at injury time.
The Arsenal captain was on fire attacking midfield and played some great passes to the forward line. He started when Mikel Arteta made six changes, with Saka, Ebebeki Eze and Declan Rice among the alternatives coming out of the bench.
Odegaard was selected appropriately for Man of the Match and was asked after a full-time whi from former Arsenal defender Martin Keown for TNT Sports.
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He replied: “I think quality and depth and we have a lot of players, so now it’s the feeling from all players on the pitch. You want to prove that you deserve it, you want to keep your spot. I think it’s a good thing for us.
Odegard got off the bench and sent out the corner scored after Gabriel Magalhais’ 2-1 win at Newcastle at St James Park on Sunday, but he got his first start in five games on Wednesday night. “I’m glad I came back. I missed it, I felt good and it was a good victory,” he said.
And when asked about his desire to break Arsenal’s line and move the ball forward quickly, Odegaard added:
“That’s what I want to do, especially with forward players, especially Viktor, who is aggressive and always threatening. That’s what I do.
Odegaard should have concluded his performance with his own goals, but Olympiacos goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis saved his efforts from Saka’s cross before his rebound was blocked in the range of points blanks.
The depth of Arsenal’s team was clear at night, with Martinelli and Leandro Torosard being replaced by Eze and Saka, and Rice came for Mikel Merino, Ben White’s Julien Timber and Christian Mosquera for the injured Gabriel.
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