Mikel Arteta has lauded Arsenal playmaker Martin Odegaard for the assist in the opening minute against Liverpool as the Gunners claimed a 3-2 win against their Premier League rivals.
Speaking to Football London, the 40-year-old manager was pleased with how Odegaard impact the game as the Arsenal captain assisted Gabriel Martinelli just 58 seconds into the Emirates Stadium clash, with the 23-year-old playing a key role one of the club’s biggest results so far this season.
The win put Arsenal back on top of the Premier League standings with Arteta’s side now an incredible 14 points clear of Liverpool already in the standings, with a Bukayo Saka double sealing the result for the north London side in the Sunday headliner.
Whilst Manchester City also won this weekend, Arsenal’s winning streak means that Arteta and his men continue to top the Premier League, and Odegaard’s performances this season have been impressive, with his assist against Liverpool on of his best for the Gunners.
Indeed, Odegaard’s goal contributions have been impressive this campaign, and according to Arteta, the midfielder was in great form against Liverpool as the former Real Madrid star set the tempo early for Arsenal against Liverpool, who were taken away by the Gunners’ quick start.
Arteta said when asked about Odegaard’s performance and his key assist to set up Martinelli’s opener: “Great. The way he put the ball to Martinelli in the first minute of the game to make the game in our favour was great. I’m really pleased with the way Martin is playing.”
ODEGAARD ASSIST AGAINST LIVERPOOL CAUGHT EVERYBODY BY SURPRISE
Odegaard has developed into one of Arsenal’s most important players since his reported £35m move from Madrid, and the playmaker’s assist against Liverpool was a move that caught everybody by surprise given just how early the move took place in the fixture.
Whilst Arsenal have developed into a side who can strike teams early, no fan expected the Gunners to score so early, and Odegaard’s pinpoint pass to Martinelli was a surprise that set the tempo of the match, with the north London side coming away with all three points.