Robbie Savage has claimed that Martin Odegaard applauded one of his Arsenal teammates off the pitch last night.
Arsenal got the job done at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening after picking up a point at Manchester City over the weekend.
Mikel Arteta decided to rest a host of key players, with the likes of Declan Rice, Jorginho and Gabriel Jesus dropping to the bench.
Bukayo Saka also missed out through injury, despite being spotted in training this week. But Arsenal’s squad players stepped up on the night.
Martin Odegaard opened the scoring midway through the first half after Emile Smith Rowe pressed exceptionally well to win the ball back in Luton’s half.
Smith Rowe’s cross was then turned into his own net by Daiki Hashioka, which gave the Gunners a 2-0 lead on the stroke of halftime.
The 23-year-old has earned praise from the likes of Rice and Arteta following his display last night.
And according to Savage, Odegaard also showed his appreciation for Smith Rowe’s performance.
Odegaard applauded Smith Rowe off the pitch
Speaking on TNT Sports, Savage noticed Odegaard applauding Smith Rowe after he was replaced by Jorginho in the 84th minute.
“He’s had a good night, Smith Rowe,” Savage said. “You can see the captain, Odegaard, who’s had another good night, applauding him.
“A standing ovation for Smith Rowe who’s come into the team, certainly a candidate for Player of the Match with the press winning the ball back for the first goal then set up the second.”
Smith Rowe impresses alongside Odegaard for Arsenal
Many Arsenal fans have been calling for Smith Rowe to get a run in the side this season.
Arteta has used Rice in a more advanced role of late, with Jorginho operating at the base of midfield.
But off the back of last night’s display, Smith Rowe has proven he could be an important part of Arteta’s side.
It was just his third start in the Premier League this season but he appeared to be well-suited to that left-sided central midfield role.
With Thomas Partey also returning from injury and starting last night, Arteta suddenly has a wealth of options in the middle of the park.
The post ‘A good night’: Robbie Savage claims Martin Odegaard applauded Arsenal player as he left the pitch vs Luton appeared first on TBR Football.