The real Martin Ødegaard stands up for Arsenal against Olympiacos

Following a flurry of underwhelming performances last season, Arsenal fans were beginning to ask, echoing the famous words of Eminem, if the real Martin Ødegaard would please stand up. Well, against Olympiacos the captain got our attention and made sure we weren't gonna have a problem by doing just that.

The Gunners secured a 2-0 victory over the Greek giants to continue their winning start to their Champions League campaign and the Norwegian was the star man as he put in a simply brilliant performance in midfield.

Making his first start since his return from a second injury this campaign, Ødegaard impressed throughout the entire tie and looked to be a player reborn. After a lengthy quiet spell, it looks like Arsenal have their key creator back to his best.

The real Martin Ødegaard stands up for Arsenal against Olympiacos

Named in the starting lineup after coming off the bench to assist Gabriel's dramatic winner in a 2-1 win at Newcastle, Ødegaard knew he had to perform well with Eberechi Eze breathing down his neck as the pair look to be engaged in a battle to be Arsenal's creative maestro.

The captain did more than perform well as he put on an unbelievable show on Wednesday night, pulling the strings and dominating in multiple areas for much of the game.

He was by far the most influential player on the pitch as he created four chances and played four crosses while also having the most touches (86) and playing the most passes in the final third (26).

Ødegaard showcased his creative brilliance and the brightest moments came for both the Gunners' goals. He found Viktor Gyökeres with a perfectly placed through ball in the build-up to the opener before superbly assisting Bukayo Saka for the second in stoppage time.

While he was outstanding on the attacking front, the skipper also contributed plenty defensively, winning possession eight times, the most of any player on the pitch.

His performance was very much a throwback to his former self as he looked like the complete midfielder that wanted to be involved in all aspects of the game. Ødegaard showed that despite facing much criticism in recent times, he is still an unbelievable footballer and can offer so much on the pitch for Arsenal.

As Mikel Arteta's side look to finally win the Premier League title after three unsuccessful attempts under his leadership, a creative genius like Ødegaard will be a crucial asset. If he can manage to perform like this on a consistent basis, he should be able to lead the club to glory. However, he will have to work for it.

A singular showing won't be enough to cement his place forever though. Ødegaard is the Gunners captain, but Eze has made a case to be a starter in the midfield and is knocking on the door. If the skipper wants to remain the first-choice, he will have to continue being Arsenal's shining light.