‘Amazing to see’: Martin Odegaard has been seriously impressed with ‘quality’ Arsenal man since the World Cup

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Arsenal will be hoping that 2023 can start the same way 2022 ended after another brilliant Premier League victory.

A 4-2 win over Brighton increased their lead at the top of the league to seven points.

Speaking to the Evening Standard, Martin Odegaard was in a very positive mood after their latest victory.

The Norwegian international orchestrated the match from the middle of the park once again.

He scored his seventh league goal of the season, and linked up with his attacking teammates brilliantly throughout.

The 24-year-old has embraced wearing the captain’s armband this season, and demonstrated he’s one of Mikel Arteta’s key players.

Odegaard admitted after the match he’s been really impressed with Eddie Nketiah since coming into the side.

The young forward has been the subject of intense scrutiny after being thrust into the side due to Gabriel Jesus’ injury.

He’s stepped up to the plate already, scoring in both of his league starts since the World Cup break.

Arsenal have very quickly adapted to having a different style of forward at the top of the pitch, and Nketiah has taken his chances.

Odegaard has been seriously impressed with Nketiah

Odegaard was asked about the 23-year-old when speaking to the Evening Standard and said: “Everyone has to step up.

“We are missing a great player but you see the quality that Eddie has.

“Two goals now and everything that he brings in the game also. You see the front players we have, we are always going to create chances and be dangerous, and it is just about getting the players in the right positions and good things will happen.

“When a player like that (Jesus) is injured you will always miss him. He has great quality and great personality. He still gives us a lot outside the pitch.

“The energy he gives and everything at the training ground he still gives a lot.

“But all the players need to step up when you miss someone like that and we have done excellent.

“Credit to Eddie to come in like that and perform like this. It is amazing to see.”

January a defining month for Arsenal

Arteta admitted before the Brighton game that Jesus has taken Nketiah under his wing and is really trying to help his teammate.

Nketiah has been backed to outscore Jesus this season, and has clearly really impressed Odegaard so far.

Arsenal now face a tough run of games that will define the remainder of their season.

If they can get past Newcastle, Tottenham and Manchester United this month, then they could end up being favourites to win the title.

With more than half of the season still to play, Arteta will be making sure his side don’t get too carried away.