Against Olympiacos, Arsenal fans witnessed one of the captain’s finest performances in recent memory. Martin Ødegaard, so often burdened with carrying the creative weight of the team alone, reminded everyone why he remains central to Mikel Arteta’s vision.
Arteta, who has been watching his skipper closely, believes Ødegaard is rediscovering his very best form. The manager was full of praise after the match, saying:
“Not only with the passes but the way he was taking the ball, carrying the ball, making runs and arriving in really dangerous areas… he played some very good minutes at Newcastle to help us win the game and today he was phenomenal.”
It was a performance that blended composure, intelligence, and leadership, hallmarks of Ødegaard at his peak.
Fans React to Eze + Ødegaard Link-Up
Supporters were just as vocal in their admiration, particularly noting how effective Ødegaard became when paired with Eberechi Eze. Many pointed out that his role worked best when he wasn’t the sole creator, but instead a supplier to a No.10 rather than playing as one himself.
As one fan put it, “We saw the best of Ødegaard yesterday and it’s no coincidence it came with him playing as a supplier to a 10 rather than being a 10 himself. Let him sit outside the box and feed the runs of Merino/forwards or find Eze in the pockets and he’s mint.”
The chemistry between Eze and Ødegaard lit up the game, a partnership that many Arsenal supporters have long been eager to see in action.
Relieving the Creative Burden
There’s a growing sense among fans and pundits alike that Ødegaard has, at times, been overused in the role of Arsenal’s sole creative outlet. This has left him unfairly exposed during dips in form, often making him an easy target for critics.
The situation mirrors how Manchester City have operated in recent years. As some observers note, “Kevin De Bruyne was never the only creative midfielder at City (Yaya, David Silva, Gündogan). Ø has been overused for years by being the only creative midfielder. That’s why he was an easy target for the delusional fans during bad games.”
By introducing Eze into the midfield alongside Ødegaard, Arteta may have found a solution that balances the creative load, giving the Norwegian more freedom to dictate play without being solely responsible for every spark of imagination.
The Captain Back at His Best?
If this Olympiacos performance is any indication, Ødegaard is on the verge of hitting his stride again. His influence stretched across the pitch, whether threading passes into dangerous spaces, driving forward with the ball, or linking seamlessly with teammates like Merino and Eze.
For Arteta, it wasn’t just about creativity; it was about intent, leadership, and timing. For the fans, it was about finally seeing their captain in his most natural and devastating role.
And for Arsenal, it could mean the beginning of a midfield partnership capable of propelling them to even greater heights.
