Ian Wright has named the Arsenal player who was electric during the early stages of their defeat against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Arsenal have seen their Premier League title hopes dealt a huge blow. The Gunners missed the chance to return to the top of the table after being beaten 2-0 by Aston Villa.
The goals were definitely coming by the time Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins scored at the Emirates. But that was not the case for much of the first-half.
Mikel Arteta’s side had the chances to put the game to bed before the break. Both Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka hit the side netting. Meanwhile, Emiliano Martinez made a sensational save from Leandro Trossard.
Ian Wright says Arsenal player was electric in first-half against Aston Villa
It would have been difficult for Arsenal fans to pick out any positives from the game. But Ian Wright was extremely impressed by how one star started the contest on Sunday.
Speaking on Wrighty’s House, Wright lauded Martin Odegaard for how the skipper dictated things in those early stages.
“I thought we started the game how I expected us to start the game. And when you listen to Unai’s interview afterwards, he said, ‘listen, we had to learn from the Manchester City game in how we’re going to defend and how we’re going to deny space’. It came down to Arsenal starting well,” he said.
“I thought that Odegaard, you know when you used to play that basketball game when you made all those shots and the ball just went on fire, he was playing NBA Jam. And he was electric.”
No Gunners player has been more consistent over last two seasons
When Arsenal were losing their grip on their title charge last season, it was Odegaard who stepped up. Few will forget just how good the 25-year-old was away at Newcastle when Arsenal were desperate for three points.
He has grown and grown since being given the armband. And his performance showed that he was one player who respected how dangerous Villa could be.
Odegaard amazed Danny Gabbidon with the pass which set up Saka for the early chance. And it is probably not entirely surprising that Villa’s two goals came after Odegaard had been taken off.
He is the player who demands so much of those around him. And when he has the ball, you really get the sense that he is going to make something happen.
Obviously, players such as Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have the potential to steal the show. But Arsenal fans must be so excited whenever Odegaard gets onto the ball.
He never fails to make an impact, even on such a disappointing day for Arsenal.
And if he remains fit for the remainder of the season, you can guarantee that Odegaard is going to do all he can to keep Arsenal in the race.
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