Pain in the Arsenal
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3 standout players from win over Chelsea in London derby

By Krish Ajmani

Arsenal's Norwegian midfielder Martin Odegaard (2L) celebrates with teamates after the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, in London, on May 2, 2023. - Arsenal won the match 3-1. (Photo by Ben Stansall / 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. / (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal's Norwegian midfielder Martin Odegaard (2L) celebrates with teamates after the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, in London, on May 2, 2023. - Arsenal won the match 3-1. (Photo by Ben Stansall / 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. / (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Following a humbling 4-1 loss against title rivals Manchester City last week, the question on everyone’s mind was: “What now?”

Would the players throw in the towel with City in a dominant position to win the league? Or would they play better with the pressure off and get back to winning? Fortunately, it was the latter.

Arsenal were rampant against Chelsea in the first half, scoring three goals in nearly 30 minutes. The second half saw control slip away, resulting in another lost clean sheet and a somewhat nervy end to the game. Regardless, three points were added to Arsenal’s total.

A few players deserve credit for their performances. Here are three players that stood out against Chelsea.

3 standout players from win over Chelsea in London derby

The skipper scored twice in the first half. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
The skipper scored twice in the first half. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

1. Martin Odegaard

With two more goals on the stats sheet, Odegaard has now logged 14 goals and seven assists in the Premier League. While his finishing and reluctance to shoot have often been concerns, he has blossomed into a true goal-scoring midfielder. Both of his strikes were well-taken. The Norwegian drifted into the box, making perfectly timed runs on the blind side of the Chelsea backline before converting. He knew what the team needed after a tough run and delivered.

Odegaard’s instalment as captain was met with a mixed reception but his intangibles have been crucial in lifting the team throughout the season. When pushing for an equaliser or winner, he constantly demands the ball. His work rate is second to none. His defensive commitment sets the bar high and shows exactly what is expected.

His technique and passing ability are also integral to the way Arsenal play, receiving in pockets before feeding Bukayo Saka. His connection with the right winger and Ben White on the outside has worked wonders.

How Arsenal secured his signature for peanuts from Real Madrid was nothing short of extraordinary. Still only 24, he will continue to grow and develop. Arsenal are lucky to have him indeed.

Continued on the next slide…

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