%20rotate(-8.06)%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22336.19%20136.81%20330.16%2094.25%20326.06%2071.19%20326.44%2071.13%20335.22%2093.54%20352.29%20134.52%20373.95%20131.46%20362.7%2052.01%20350.02%2053.8%20356.05%2096.36%20360.15%20119.42%20359.77%20119.48%20350.99%2097.08%20333.91%2056.09%20312.25%2059.15%20323.51%20138.6%20336.19%20136.81%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22402.91%2059.3%20412.36%20126.02%20427.17%20123.92%20417.72%2057.21%20431.59%2055.24%20429.79%2042.51%20387.23%2048.53%20389.04%2061.27%20402.91%2059.3%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22463.51%20118.77%20458.69%2084.71%20474.68%2082.44%20479.51%20116.5%20494.36%20114.4%20483.11%2034.95%20468.26%2037.06%20472.96%2070.25%20456.96%2072.52%20452.26%2039.32%20437.4%2041.43%20448.65%20120.88%20463.51%20118.77%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22540.5%20107.87%20538.77%2095.68%20518.91%2098.49%20515.77%2076.29%20535.63%2073.47%20533.93%2061.5%20514.07%2064.32%20511.11%2043.42%20530.98%2040.61%20529.25%2028.42%20494.53%2033.34%20505.78%20112.78%20540.5%20107.87%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22299.03%20155.17%20301.29%20171.58%20542.78%20138.39%20540.5%20121.97%20299.03%20155.17%22%2F%3E%0A%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
The international break was not kind to Arsenal. It never is, if we're being completely honest. Injuries to key players has completely U-turned any plans that Mikel Arteta may have had after the international break.
However, it wasn't all doom and gloom. While the injuries will (obviously) be the standout for Arsenal fans, it's important not to overlook the great performances we have seen.
We know that playing for your country is the biggest honor in this sport. Therefore, as much as Mikel Arteta would have liked it, players were never going to give less than 100 per cent.
This can mean injuries, and it did, but it also meant some international triumph.
Arsenal star Martin Ødegaard just got Europe's highest rating
Martin Ødegaard did not feature for Norway on international duty due to an injury that Arsenal already knew about, but nevertheless, it was still a great international break for him.
The Arsenal captain watched proudly as his countrymen booked their place at the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA.
Despite not playing over the last week, Martin Ødegaard's immense efforts were recognized by Sofascore. In their European team of the tournament (that tournament being the World Cup Qualifiers), Martin Ødegaard got the highest rating (8.76) out of anyone else.
Joint-second were Kylian Mbappé and Pedri, so the Arsenal captain was certainly in esteemed company.
It will be the first time that Martin Ødegaard has ever played in the World Cup, assuming he is fit. Norway is going through their very own golden era, with a team of great talents built around the world-class Martin Ødegaard and Erling Haaland. 2026 will certainly be a great year for them, and they can finally enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Erling Haaland might receive all the plaudits for his exceptional goal scoring accumen, but Norway wouldn't be in the position they're in without Ødegaard. Much like with Arsenal, he plays a key role in making his country tick.
In five World Cup qualifiers this season, Ødegaard scored one goal but returned an astonishing seven assists. It's this selfless nature and world-class passing ability which makes him a joy to watch, both for Arsenal fans and Norway fans.
Norway's World Cup qualification only serves to benefit Arsenal. Not that Ødegaard needs to fight for his place, but he will use between now and the end of the season to lock in and perfect his craft before playing on the biggest stage in all of sports.