Arsenal 3-1 Manchester United: 3 talking points as Gunners eye top four

3. Martin Odegaard Captains Back-to-Back Top Six Wins

Proving to be one of Arsenal’s best signings over recent years. The captain was again on another level.

The Norwegian was a constant presence in the attacking third. Pressuring relentlessly and hounding the United defense, his silky and classy touches were mesmerizing in and around the box. When Real Madrid fans watch on with regret you know he’s doing something right.

What never goes unnoticed, although sometimes can on account of his delightful technical craft, is his work rate off the ball. Odegaard would sprint 40-50 yards to pressure David De Gea or, as United tried to play out from the back. Even with 90 minutes on the clock he never dropped his energy levels for a second.

What is Norwegian for Duracell Bunny?

His eye for a pass and ability to pick the right one was again a feature as, time after time, he threaded a neat ball that opened up space for others. His ability to receive the ball in tight spaces, pirouette past a challenge and make space for himself got Arsenal out of numerous pickles.

He looks right at home with the captain’s armband. In successive games against Top Six outfits he’s had to step up to the plate, and boy, he has.