Arsenal News: Opinion – Martin Odegaard’s return reviewed by fan writer

When the line-up for Arsenal’s trip to Chelsea was released on Sunday, there was clearly an upturn in mood among fans. Martin Odegaard was set to start, marking his return after an eight-week absence with an ankle injury sustained while playing for Norway. Our season was about to get going again and all our prayers were answered.

In the first few games since Odegaard’s injury, Arsenal’s Plan B has worked phenomenally well, with goals from centre-back Gabriel, as well as Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka.

There were even some (brief) debates that Odegaard might not return to the starting lineup right away, especially as fans pushed to see more of Ethan Nwaneri. But since then, Arsenal’s build-up play has become slow and rigid, making it very difficult to see where a goal threat could come from.

Arsenal were much better on Sunday with Odegaard on the pitch. Gabriel Martinelli’s goal came via a trademark Odegaard pass and many would have felt the tide turning in Arsenal’s favor from this point, expecting the visitors to push on and secure their first Premier League win in four games .

But the problem with Arsenal at the moment is that when one problem is solved, another problem seems to appear, like a game of football.

Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella did an excellent job neutralizing Saka on the right wing and Arsenal’s previously watertight defense is now showing signs of weakness.

There are many reasons to be positive now that Odegaard is back in the starting line-up, but this should not detract from the other areas where Arsenal need to regain focus.

If they want to make up ground on league leaders Liverpool, they will need to dig deeper into what got them so close to the title last year, such as their impenetrable defense and ruthless attacking football.

Odegaard’s return is only part of the solution.

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