Arsenal’s developing central partnership is vital to success

During Martin Odegaard’s first spell at Arsenal there were signs of real promise. Factoring in all the circumstances of his arrival and even the state of the world at that point, it was unlikely to ever be faultless.

There were dips in form alongside spells of true quality, which was enough for Mikel Arteta to be utterly convinced he was the player to solve Arsenal’s creative chasm long-term.

Six months into his permanent arrival and there is nobody reaching his level in the team. Previously uncertain onlookers have had their heads turned. Odegaard is a special player operating at an exceptional level, with his performance against Wolves the latest in a long line of glittering displays.

In that 2-1 win was also the best example so far of a strengthening partnership, one that had first began developing during that initial loan move. The leader technically and tactically, he’s being facilitated to do so by a growing bond with Thomas Partey.

Arsenal’s developing central partnership between Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey is vital to the success of the team

These are two players who can own this team. They can make it theirs.

Odegaard is taking the star mantle at present but he wouldn’t be as effective as he is without Partey alongside him. These two are trusted members of this group, tasked with getting on the ball and being responsible for more than just creation and progression.

Their link is so important. Partey operating predominantly as the lone No. 6 means he has the space of the pitch in front of him to feed his more advanced teammates while also keeping a watchful eye on the two markers he so often has to deal with.

But he’s finding Odegaard, and Odegaard is finding him.

Feeding passes through the lines left and right, it’s Partey’s distribution into those right half-spaces that is wreaking so much havoc on the opposition. They understand each other’s game so well, knowing which spaces they like to operate in and always providing an option off the ball, all of which comes together for a neat blend of central control.

Both expertly technical with the ball at feet they manage to elevate this partnership into one of dominant elegance. The second half of the 3-3 Premier League draw with West Ham last season was so often used an indicator of what the pair can produce when on-song. It’s a game nobody even remembers anymore because they’re surpassing that level at present.

There are partnerships developing across this team, and while it’s easy to forget that many of the players in the group still only have 20 or so matches alongside one another, the Odegaard and Partey connection is one that looks years in the works.