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Martin Odegaard must start vs Newcastle after impressive cameo

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard must return to the starting line-up for tomorrow’s Premier League clash against Newcastle United on the road.

The Norwegian star has registered five goals for the Gunners this term and one of those came in a losing cause on Wednesday night against West Ham United.

Odegaard came off the bench in the final 10 minutes and had a lively cameo, finding the back of the net with the final kick of the Carabao Cup fourth round tie.

The Gunners bowed out of the competition after a 3-1 defeat, but it is quite clear that Odegaard should be reinstated into the starting XI at St James’ Park.

Manager Mikel Arteta decided to give the captain a breather in the 5-0 win over Sheffield United, but many were surprised that he was on the bench again.

In the absence of the injured Emile Smith Rowe, Fabio Vieira got the nod in the number 10 role but he was largely ineffective until his stoppage time assist for Odegaard’s goal.

In our opinion, Odegaard must be reinstated into the starting XI. In his short cameo, Odegaard had a passing accuracy of 94 per cent with 100% of duels won.

The 24-year-old also won one tackle and look determined to prove a point. Alongside him, we anticipate Jorginho to return to the starting XI with Kai Havertz dropping out.

Havertz had one good chance to score from a header in the derby but was barely involved after the break. Declan Rice should feature in the creative midfield role tomorrow.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

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