Leeds 1-4 Arsenal: 4 talking points as Gunners stay fourth at Christmas

2. Martin Odegaard Finds His Level in Playmaking Masterclass

Similar to Martinelli, Odegaard was on the outskirts of the first team for a couple of months but is now getting a run in the side and his game has improved markedly.

Against Leeds, especially in the first half, his ability to drift between the lines and link play, as well as his willingness to push Arsenal forward at every opportunity, was a sight to behold. His first touch to send Saka through on goal to where he eventually scored and his delightful dink to find Smith Rowe for Arsenal’s fourth were more than easy on the eye.

His touches are now becoming more influential, and he is having bigger impact on games, and this is due to the confidence he has built from consistently starting matches and getting minutes under his belt. Given the run he deserves in that No. 10 slot, he’s found a level unlike any seen previously during his time with Arsenal.

Many turned their nose up at his £35m deal, but it looks like a bargain when he produces performances like this.

Now coming to terms with the English game, Odegaard is becoming the orchestrator that Arsenal need, and performances like tonight demonstrate why Arteta was so keen to bring him back after his loan spell last season. It’s incredible to think he just turned 23 years old when he demonstrates intelligence like that.

The Norwegian will be running the show for many years to come if he performs as he did tonight regularly. A true No.10 performance.

Continued on next page…