Arsenal vs Brentford: 3 Key Battles in Must-Win Match

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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 04: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal and Dwight McNeil of Everton in action during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Arsenal FC at Goodison Park on February 4, 2023 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images) /

#2: Martin Odegaard vs. Ben Mee

Two fine athletes who are no strangers to the captain’s armband.

A minor training injury saw Odegaard miss the autumnal trip to Brentford, but now he is at the top of his game and ready to unlock the visitors’ unforgiving defensive unit.

Arsenal ruthlessly exploited the creative midfield role at the Gtech Community Stadium, where Fabio Vieira’s deep station enticed Ben Mee out of the backline and opened up extra space for both Saka and the Portuguese himself to attack.

This responsibility will lie with our Norwegian talent this weekend. He should benefit from the advanced positioning of our other forwards, as their efforts will likely cause the Bees’ defense to back off. Just like Vieira in September, Odegaard will have plenty of time to read the game and pick out key passes around the box- which should lead to regular goal-scoring opportunities.

While Mee is a seasoned professional who will be wary of the threat, stopping a fluid Gunners attack led by Odegaard will test him to the limit.

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