Martin Odegaard has been the driving force behind Arsenal's strong start to the season, and his latest contribution came with the winning goal in a 1-0 victory away to Napoli, taking his tally to four goals in five matches. The strike prompted praise from manager Mikel Arteta, though his comments carried a sharper edge than the usual plaudits that have followed his captain in recent weeks.
Asked whether Odegaard could sustain this level of form and remain pivotal to Arsenal's ambitions in both league and cup competitions, Arteta was blunt. "First of all, he has to be available," he said. That statement carries real weight given Odegaard missed 27 of Arsenal's 63 fixtures last season, roughly 43 per cent of the campaign, as he battled fitness issues including two shoulder injuries and an MCL problem.
Those close to the situation say Arteta's remark was a deliberate message, echoing similar comments he made after Arsenal's opening-day 3-0 win over Coventry City, when he suggested his captain "has a point to prove." That phrase was widely interpreted as a nod to conversations Arteta reportedly had with Odegaard throughout last season, encouraging him to envision lifting major trophies and being central to those moments, rather than watching from the sidelines. At times, Arteta felt compelled to reassure the Norwegian of his value to the team, telling him directly, "you're my man."
Odegaard's importance to Arsenal's system extends beyond goals and assists. He is widely regarded as the player who best understands and communicates Arteta's tactical approach, functioning as the connective tissue in the team's attacking play and often initiating the pressing structure. Without him, Arsenal's forward line has looked notably less cohesive. Notably, Sunday's win over Chelsea marked only the fourth occasion since December 2024 that Odegaard has played alongside Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz simultaneously — a stark illustration of how injuries have disrupted Arsenal's attacking unit over nearly two years.
The turning point appears to have come toward the end of last season, particularly in the title-clinching win at West Ham, where Odegaard's composure in setting up Leandro Trossard's decisive goal proved crucial. While teammates celebrated wildly, Odegaard dropped to his knees, fists clenched — a moment that seemed to carry deeper personal significance. He carried that momentum into a successful World Cup campaign with Norway, appearing refreshed and fulfilled, even sharing a light-hearted moment with Erling Haaland by handing over the team's celebratory Viking drum.
Teammate Declan Rice has noticed the transformation. "Last year, to have two shoulder injuries like he did, to have an MCL injury like he did, is tough for any player," Rice said. "But you see him at the World Cup and how he started this year... That's the Martin we know and we love."
Arteta has also observed a renewed sharpness in his captain's game. "He's got that edge," the manager said. "And now he can start to occupy some very different heights in the team, especially in the attacking phase. He's getting into these positions much more in recent games and I feel he has this emotional state that he knows that the ball can go in and he is playing an incredible football match."
That willingness to take responsibility was evident against West Ham, where despite Arsenal squandering several chances he created, Odegaard eventually took matters into his own hands. "That's what we need," Arteta said, "the players with that mindset to decide the game and to play with that personality that an action might not happen, that it's the next next one, the next one... and keep insisting and keep taking chances and risks."
With four goals already this season compared to just one in the whole of last campaign, and Arsenal having overhauled parts of their medical and performance staff, the emphasis now falls on maintaining that fitness. As one insider close to the club put it: "In a game of small margins, the biggest difference is availability." For now, Odegaard is fully available — and Arsenal are reaping the rewards.
Based on reporting from The Independent.