fbpx

‘He is a match winner’: Mikel Arteta reacts to Martin Odegaard’s performance vs Southampton

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was impressed with the performance of Martin Odegaard during the club’s 3-0 Premier League win over Southampton at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners returned to winning ways after a two-match losing streak. Odegaard was once again among the goals, heading in the club’s second from a Kieran Tierney assist.

The Norwegian has now scored in each of his last three appearances for the north London club. Following yesterday’s victory, Arteta said that he is a match winner.

He told Arsenal.com: “Yeah and he should have scored a hat-trick against Everton. He’s making it into the box much more and now he understands why we encourage him to do that.”

“Because then he is a match winner – that’s the difference between a very good player and a match winner – and we need more of those players on the pitch, to win more of our games.”

Odegaard was recently out of the starting line-up. Since his return, he has been looked a different player with his eagerness to get into scoring positions in the box.

The 22-year-old scored at Old Trafford earlier this month, but ended up conceding a costly penalty that saw Manchester United seal the victory over the Gunners.

This has not hampered his confidence with goals in the next two games. There is still room for improvement. As Arteta said, he could have bagged a hat-trick in the Everton loss.

The Gunners are currently one point behind fourth-placed West Ham United in sixth. The Hammers have a game in hand against Burnley to be played this evening.

They are scheduled to host David Moyes’ side in midweek. Arteta will be hoping that the players can replicate yesterday’s display, but with a better defensive resolve.

The club conceded plenty of scoring chances, but Aaron Ramsdale was once again solid in goal with six saves.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe for notification