Martin Odegaard has already surpassed his goal tally from last season, and if the rejuvenated Arsenal captain maintains his current form, he will quickly outstrip his combined output from the past two campaigns.
Odegaard has been the driving force behind Arsenal's impressive start to the season, having overcome trust issues and a tendency to "play safe" to return to his very best. The Norway midfielder has scored four goals so far this term—one in the Community Shield, two in the Premier League, and one at Napoli in the Champions League.
His all-round game has particularly caught the eye, as he plays with a new freedom that he showcased at the World Cup with Norway and has carried into this season.
Injury-Hit Previous Seasons
Last season, Odegaard managed just one goal for Arsenal in an injury-disrupted campaign, while the previous season he scored six in all competitions. He was dogged by injury after damaging his ankle on international duty in September 2024.
At that point, Odegaard was seen as absolutely irreplaceable for Arsenal, and his injury lay-off was considered a massive blow. Quite frankly, he struggled to return to his best that season. Last season, there always looked to be an issue of trust, as Odegaard did not appear entirely happy on the pitch, seemingly unsure of his own body and whether he might break down again, troubled by a knee issue.
He played in the run-in but was not at his best. Yet the World Cup seems to have restored his confidence, his belief, and his super power.
Neville's Analysis and Stellar Stats
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville identified the change after Arsenal's victory over Chelsea, when Odegaard scored the winner. Neville said: "He did get into a cycle of being too safe. If anything, he got into a languid, playing it sideways, playing the easy pass.
"He's capable of being sharper and making those late runs into the box more than he does. That's what he did against Chelsea. Can he get the ten or 12 goals, the ten or 12 assists in a season which means he would be one of the best in the league? When Arsenal need goals, he needs to look for danger. He knows what to do, he's got the capability."
Odegaard is showing it again now, running the game in Naples. He played 107 passes, more than anyone else, and completed 92, second only to Declan Rice. He covered an incredible 11.6km (joint top with Piero Hincapie) and did not stop working, running, and looking for goal. It was no surprise he scored the winner and got the breakthrough.
Dominant Display and Key Partnership
Arsenal were playing Napoli, champions of Italy just 14 months ago, and had an XG of 4.05 with just 0.22 XGA—an incredibly dominant performance, driven by Odegaard, who is keeping the ball better, making things happen, and is the focal point of Arsenal's team again.
Arsenal were branded Set Piece FC last season, yet they have not scored a set-piece goal this season in five matches—the Community Shield, three Premier League games, and one Champions League game. That cannot be a coincidence; it is because Odegaard is back. He was one of the best midfield playmakers in the Premier League and can be among the best in Europe. Arsenal are so much better with a fit and firing Odegaard in the team.
The gang of three—Odegaard, Kai Havertz, and Bukayo Saka—have a brilliant connection that Arsenal have missed so much. Arsenal's win over Chelsea was the first time since December 2024 that Odegaard, Havertz, and Saka had started a third straight league game together. They are connected again, with Odegaard at the heart of it, and Arsenal look a much better team for it.
