‘Special’… BBC pundit says 25-year-old Arsenal player was right at the top of his game vs Burnley

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Shay Given has lauded Martin Odegaard after the Arsenal skipper put in a ‘special performance’ at Turf Moor on Saturday.

Martin Odegaard got amongst the goals yesterday as Arsenal thrashed Burnley 5-0 away from home.

The 25-year-old opened the scoring with a delightful finish from the edge of the box and went on to grab an assist in the second half.

Odegaard set up Bukayo Saka for the winger’s second of the game. But in truth, the Norwegian was unfortunate to end the day with just one assist.

Mikel Arteta singled out his skipper for praise after the game and feels he is ‘hitting form’ now. And Shay Given was also impressed with Odegaard’s display at Burnley on Saturday. 

Given lauds ‘special’ Odegaard after Arsenal thrash Burnley

Speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day, Given claimed that Odegaard was at the top of his game during yesterday’s game.

“What I also liked today was he led from the front when pressing, that happened on numerous occasions,” the pundit said. “Again, when they gave the ball away the first man to press was their captain, their leader. That just spreads through the team if you ask me.”

“Everything good and everything positive today from Arsenal was through this guy here,” Given added. “He always looked forward when he got the ball.

“There were so many chances he created today, he was really on top of his game.”

“Odegaard today had a special performance and led by example. They have got a chance to win the league if you ask me.”

Odegaard’s return to top form will be a welcome sight for Arteta ahead of a crucial couple of months.

The Norwegian hadn’t exactly been at his best during the first half of the season. But along with a host of Arsenal’s key players, Odegaard has stepped up in recent weeks. 

He’s managed four goal contributions in his last two Premier League appearances, with Arsenal netting 11 goals in the process.