Theo Walcott believes Martin Odegaard will have watched Eberechi Eze's hat-trick in the north London derby with concern, but insists the performance will serve as a much-needed 'kick up the backside' for the Arsenal captain.
Odegaard missed Sunday's win due to an injury that has kept him out since October. The Norwegian is nearing full fitness but has seen others thrive in his absence, with Eze becoming the creative force in Mikel Arteta's attack.
Speaking on 'It's Called Soccer' on The Overlap US, Walcott said: 'What was really nice to see is when you have a bench celebrating that much as well. They're all on the same page... however, deep down, Martin Odegaard will be thinking: Oh, this is tough!'
Walcott added: 'Sometimes you become a better player when you're injured... but at this moment in time, he's becoming a worse player. I think he's needed this kick up the backside... It will be brilliant for him because it's happened to Trossard and all of a sudden Trossard is someone different now.'
Arsenal's squad depth has been bolstered by the arrivals of Eze, Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres, joining the likes of Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus in attack.
