Journalist Michael Cox believes that the dynamic between two Arsenal stars against Chelsea was key to the Gunners’ success.
Arsenal produced a scintillating attacking display against Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The Gunners were able to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table with this win, and will have taken an enormous confidence boost from the result against their capital city rivals.
Manchester City still retain control of the title race, given their games in hand, but Mikel Arteta will still believe that his side can be crowned champions.
In order to do so, though, the North London club will almost certainly have to win all four of their remaining matches. They will need their top attacking talents to keep firing on all cylinders to get the victories they need.
Against Chelsea, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz were undoubtedly the stars of the show.
The German returned to haunt his former club with two well-taken goals. Meanwhile, Odegaard mesmerised Arsenal fans with his creativity, for which he was rewarded with a brace of assists.
Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard hailed for role in Arsenal 5-0 Chelsea
The duo struck up an incredibly effective connection against the Blues. Off the ball, they pressed and harried opposition players in tandem, cutting off passing lanes and winning back the ball in enemy territory. Arsenal were more successful at regaining possession in the final third against Chelsea than they have been in any other game during Arteta’s tenure.
When the Gunners were on the ball, Havertz and the Norwegian playmaker combined time and time again. In the 57th minute, Odegaard picked out Havertz’s run with a delightful through-ball. The 24-year-old did not even have to break his stride as he came onto the ball, before firing into the back of the net.
Michael Cox was particularly impressed by the on-field connection that Havertz and Odegaard shared against Chelsea. Writing in The Athletic, the reporter said “the most notable aspect of Odegaard’s performance was how well he combined with Havertz, effectively his partner in this system.
“When everything clicks, Arsenal play brilliant attacking football, and their performance yesterday might be the best any Premier League side has produced all season.”
Arsenal need Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz to dazzle again v Spurs
Along with the rest of the Arsenal team, Havertz and Odegaard will need to be at their best against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday in what is sure to be a fiercely contested North London derby.
Former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has already warned Arteta that Spurs will be desperate to “spoil the party” for the Gunners.
