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Owen Hargreaves gave immense credit to Arsenal pair Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka for their performances on Thursday night against Benfica.

The Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw in the Europa League Round of 32 first leg tie, but did get the crucial away goal.

Mikel Arteta’s side will feel a little aggrieved they didn’t win the fixture against the Portuguese club, as they showed some great offensive moments during the 90 minutes.

In-form winger Saka was the goalscorer with his close-range finish and the 19-year-old threatened on several occasions.

Meanwhile, 22-year-old attacking midfielder Odegaard was another on the pitch that dazzled.

The creative playmaker, who is on loan at the Emirates Stadium from Real Madrid, played a decisive role in the build-up to the goal and created several opportunities.

Hargreaves was full of praise for both Arsenal youngster after their contributions on the European stage.

“Odegaard was fantastic today. He puts balls on a plate for people,” Keown told BT Sport 2 (11:20pm, 19 February)

“Great to see him (Saka). Every time he plays, he creates so much. Arsenal rely on him so heavily, even though he’s such a young man, and he produces every time.”

TBR’s View:

Saka has to be the clear frontrunner for Arsenal’s player of the season so far, as the teenager is so often the individual in the team that drags them to a result.

Odegaard has injected some extra quality though in his brief time at the North London club, following his recent loan arrival in the mid-season transfer window.

He was a creative hub against Benfica with plenty of intelligent flicks, while his inclusion means that Emile Smith Rowe operates from a more wide role drifting inside.