Arsenal 2-1 Brentford: 5 talking points from Premier League win

Arsenal's English midfielder Bukayo Saka (2nd R) dances with Arsenal's Brazilian defender Gabriel (L) as he celebrates scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Brentford at the Emirates Stadium in London on February 19, 2022. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Ian KINGTON / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Arsenal’s Norwegian midfielder Martin Odegaard runs with the ball during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Brentford. (Photo by IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images) /

5. Martin Odegaard Runs the Show With Technical Elegance

The Norwegian maestro was again silky as ever in the middle of the park for Arsenal. He’s found a level and he is not dropping below it.

Picking up superb positions in the final third, the 23-year-old showed several classy touches and kept the Gunners ticking over nicely. Some of his roll-overs, flicks, tricks and feints were mesmeric, including a dummy air-shot in the first half that had the whole of the Emirates up on its feet applauding.

His ability to weave in and out of pressure to create space for himself and his teammates were a regular feature as he kept getting his team driving forward. Operating as the right-sided No. 8 in this system he can build triangles with Saka and Cedric, facilitate play and keep Arsenal’s rhythm flowing.

The partnership with Saka in particular is a blossoming one.

dark. Next. Arsenal player ratings vs Brentford

After his initial six-month loan spell last season, Odegaard is now finding his feet and is justifying his price tag. £30m is an absolute steal for a player still not near his peak. These kinds of performances are now becoming the norm for Arsenal’s No. 8 and he is simply a joy to watch with the ball at his feet.

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