Martin Odegaard's resurgent form is a major reason Arsenal have begun the Premier League season with two consecutive victories. The club captain scored a decisive late goal in a 2-1 win over Chelsea, a performance manager Mikel Arteta described as phenomenal.
According to a report from CBS Sports, Odegaard's winner came from a clever late run after a dummy from teammate Kai Havertz. The Norwegian midfielder's influence was felt throughout the match at Emirates Stadium, where Arsenal eventually asserted their superiority 88 minutes after Morgan Rogers had given Chelsea an early lead. The Gunners currently sit third in the standings, having taken six points from their opening two matches with a perfect record and a +4 goal difference.
What has changed in Odegaard's game?
Martin Odegaard's underlying numbers show a significant shift in his attacking intent this season. After a 2022-23 campaign where he scored 15 goals from 93 shots, his output dipped in the following years. His expected goals (xG) per 90 minutes fell to 0.08 in the 2023-24 season, a figure lower than defensive midfielder Christian Norgaard and left-back Riccardo Calafiori at the time.
The current season tells a different story. Odegaard's xG has jumped to 0.4 per 90, and he is averaging about one more shot per match. He reached 13 touches in the attacking penalty area in less than half the time it took him last season, needing just 450 minutes across 10 league games. He also has more shots on target from inside the box than in the previous campaign.
What did Mikel Arteta say about his captain?
Arsenal's manager was effusive in his praise for Odegaard's performance and mindset. "He's fit, he feels confident, I think one of the highest that I've seen him, and he has a point to prove from last season as well, and after missing so much football," Arteta said.
He added that the midfielder's joy on the pitch was evident. "For me, he gets to that point because he's enjoying his football, and when you are that, you have to enjoy what you do, you have to play with real intent, and that's what I love to see him today, he was running forward, he took shots, he created so many situations for his teammates, so it was great."
How does this impact Arsenal's title ambitions?
Odegaard's return to his most influential form addresses a key area where Arsenal fell short last season. The team scored 91 Premier League goals in the 2023-24 campaign but still trailed the output of rivals like Manchester City and Erling Haaland. A prolific Odegaard, reminiscent of his 15-goal title-winning season in 2022-23, provides a major boost.
The early data is promising. Arsenal have scored four goals and conceded none so far, though they remain three points behind early leaders Manchester City in the title race. This offensive efficiency, spearheaded by a confident captain, will be vital as they chase a first league title in four years. You can track the squad's contributions on our dedicated stats page.
What's next for Arsenal?
The immediate focus shifts to maintaining this momentum. Arsenal's next fixture is an away trip to face Sunderland on September 12. Sunderland currently sit 11th in the table, presenting another opportunity for Arteta's side to collect points.
If Odegaard maintains his current shot average, he could match his entire Premier League goal tally from the 2025-26 season around the hour mark in that match at the Stadium of Light. Continuing this form is essential as Arsenal navigate a busy fixtures schedule while trying to close the gap to the top of the league.
