BBC Sport pundit Danny Gabbidon was blown away by one ‘sensational’ thing an Arsenal star did earlier today against Aston Villa.
It was a game to forget for Arsenal as two late goals from the visiting side ended the Gunners’ unbeaten run in the Premier League and confirmed Manchester City’s status as top of the table at the end of this matchweek.
Goals from Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins shocked the Emirates Stadium, with Arsenal now facing a potential mountain to climb in the final Premier League fixtures with City now in the driving seat for the title.
Yet it wasn’t all bad for Arsenal, with one player impressing today in north London.
Pundit blown away by ‘sensational’ Martin Odegaard vs Aston Villa
Speaking on BBC Sport’s radio coverage of the match, former Wales international Gabbidon was seriously impressed by the passing of Martin Odegaard against Villa, with the Arsenal captain having a field day at the Emirates Stadium.
Playing alongside Kai Havertz and Declan Rice, the new-look originally-planned Arsenal midfield looked the part for the first time this season, with Odegaard pulling all the strings and showcasing some truly astonishing passing.
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Indeed, Odegaard has taken his game to a whole new level this season as a more creative force, and Arsenal have been rewarded with the fruits of this change by Arteta, who has unlocked yet another new side to the £35m midfielder’s game.
Gabbidon said after one Odegaard pass in the opening half left the BBC Sport pundit astonished: “It’s sensational from Odegaard. He’s got the vision but the execution to go with it.”
Arsenal fans might have seen a glimpse of next season’s midfield
After the signings of Havertz and Rice, there was an expectation that the Germany international was brought in to replace Granit Xhaka, with the 24-year-old instead finding success as a centre-forward this year for Arsenal.
However, today’s shape-up in the opening half was arguably the first time the trio of Havertz, Rice and Odegaard all looked comfortable in a midfield-three, with this evening’s game a potential glimpse into what might happen next season.
Moreover, Havertz’s flexibility means Arsenal could now focus on transfer funds this summer to finally sign a world-class striker, something that could take Arteta’s side truly into something that can challenge with Manchester City.