Martin Odegaard shines for Arsenal in convincing PSV win

Martin Odegaard delivered a fantastic performance during Arsenal’s long-awaited return to the Champions League on Wednesday night.

The Gunners made their first appearance in the elite European competition in over 2,000 days and they made the perfect start against PSV Eindhoven.

Bukayo Saka opened the scoring in the eighth minute. The goal was created by Odegaard. His shot was spilled by Walter Benitez. Saka was in the right place to find the net.

In the 20th minute, the Gunners doubled their lead through Leandro Trossard. Saka provided the assist for the Belgian, who converted with a low powerful shot towards the far spot.

Gabriel Jesus made it 3-0 in the club’s favour before the break after Trossard’s lovely cross. Odegaard completed the 4-0 rout of PSV with his trademark finish from outside the box.

Arsenal fans would not have predicted a better start to the Champions League group stage. In our view, Odegaard was the man of the match with a terrific all-round display.

The Norwegian contributed towards two goals against PSV, but was also brilliant with his distribution. He completed 91 per cent of his passes with five long balls.

He won 100 per cent of his take-ons (3/3) alongside five ground duels. There were no surprises that he was awarded with the Champions League man of the match.

Odegaard was exceptional for Arsenal last term with 15 goals and seven assists from 45 appearances. All of his goal contributions came in the Premier League campaign.

The 24-year-old has continued the good form with three goals in seven outings this term and will be a key catalyst for the Gunners as they look to win major silverware.

Arsenal have a crucial Premier League clash at home against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. Odegaard scored in a convincing 2-0 win over Spurs on the road earlier this year.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com