Arsenal: 5 tactical improvements needed vs Man City

5. Ensuring Martin Odegaard Isn’t Isolated in Possession

Everyone is aware of what Odegaard can and already has brought to this team, and if Arsenal are to utilise his qualities to their maximum on Saturday then they need to ensure he has the options around him.

Able to turn in possession with the vision to see attacking first time passes, he is a facilitator that can release the creative burden on the wide players and widen the scope for threat in others.

Is he too ahead of the curve, though? Arteta certainly eluded to this following the EFL Cup win, stating that the Norwegian ‘needs’ something from his teammates.

"“He’s really comfortable in those areas. He loves drifting into that right-side pocket, coming deep,” he told Arsenal Media. “He glides players together. He attracts players. He’s really confident on the ball. He can take the ball anywhere on the pitch and he gives us that continuity.” “He needs freedom to play and he needs players around him to follow and understand him, the front players as well, because the moment he has some time on the ball he’s a real threat.”"

The manager’s comments are interesting. Despite playing together for six months, the side had spent all summer without Odegaard and with him returning fully fit and raring to go, the hint is towards the current crop not quite appreciating just about much ability Odegaard has.

Such quality in control and positioning is crying out for both runners beyond and options either side to be proactive to what the 22-year-old does. Given he can turn, hold and attract others, the movements of those around either in behind or to play neat central triangles will see Odegaard’s craft best utilised.

It seems Arteta feels more can come from Odegaard if his teammates are signing from the same hymn sheet. That’s clear enough, but seemingly hasn’t happened yet.