Arsenal: 5 talking points from thumping 6-0 West Brom rout

Arsenal: 5 talking points from 6-0 West Brom rout

WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - AUGUST 25: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal celebrates scoring his teams fifth goal during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between West Bromwich Albion and Arsenal at The Hawthorns on August 25, 2021 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images) /

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4. Martin Odegaard is Exactly What Arsenal Has Been Craving

As expected, the Norwegian was given the start by Arteta and his impact was noticeable for everyone to see.

Cool and calm, his deft little drops of the shoulders to weave past players and silky touches of the ball are just some of what he brings to this Arsenal side.

It’s positional awareness from a creative point of view that the side has lacked. Boasting players like Emile Smith Rowe and Saka who understand space and can drive into it, Odegaard brings an intelligence of those runs where other players can receive in dangerous zones.

Understanding the economy of touches, when to hold and when to release, he adds zip and tempo in central areas. That centrality is grossly lacking without someone of his presence.

His assist for Saka’s goal was simply sensational. His turn prior to Aubameyang’s second equally delectable.

Can he do it against bigger sides? We’ve got plenty of time to find out. He’s only 22 years old.

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