‘Sensational’… BBC pundit amazed by what 25-year-old Arsenal player did in 19th minute against Aston Villa

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Danny Gabbidon was left amazed by one Arsenal player during the first-half against Aston Villa after a moment of ‘sensational’ quality in the opening 20 minutes at the Emirates.

It was an enthralling start to the game in the wake of Liverpool’s defeat just before kick-off. Arsenal were brilliant at times.

But Villa were prepared to be brave on the ball themselves. And they looked dangerous on the counter attack. Ollie Watkins was desperately unlucky to not give the visitors the lead after hitting the inside of the post.

However, there was little doubt that Emiliano Martinez was the busier goalkeeper in the first-half.

Thankfully for the Villans, Arsenal’s finishing was not flawless, with both Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka hitting the side netting.

Martin Odegaard lauded during first-half after Arsenal chance

The opportunity for Saka came from some good work from Martin Odegaard.

Odegaard is producing captain’s performances on a regular basis this season. And it was a superb pick-out to find Saka with an audacious pass through the lines.

Speaking on BBC Radio Five Live, Danny Gabbidon suggested that he was blown away by the quality from the Norwegian in creating the opportunity.

“Sensational from Odegaard, he’s got the vision and the execution to go with it. It’s made difficult for Saka, who is unable to get it on target in the end,” he said.

Gunners skipper one of the league’s best for crucial statistic

Villa’s willingness to try and play their game really helped create a brilliant spectacle in the first-half. They wanted to take the game to Arsenal too. And that meant that there were opportunities for Arsenal to exploit gaps.

And there is arguably no-one better in the Premier League in those moments than Odegaard.

Before today, Odegaard was third in the division for key passes. And he was second for progressive passes, according to FBRef.

That is an outstanding return from the Arsenal captain, who looks to be absolutely determined to drag the Gunners across the line in the title race.