In Focus: Odegaard hitting his stride for title-chasing Gunners

Martin Odegaard was at his brilliant best for Arsenal against Brighton last Sunday.

The midfielder heavily influenced proceedings as the Gunners moved back to the Premier League's summit with a dominant 2-0 victory.

And that bodes well for Mikel Arteta's men in what looks likely to be a closely-fought title race.

Ahead of today's top-of-the-table clash with Liverpool, we take a look at Odegaard's impressive recent form.

Star man

Odegaard may not have scored or provided an assist against Brighton — but that did not detract from his performance.

The Arsenal captain attempted five shots, created four chances and was a constant threat in the final third.

With 55 completed passes at a success rate of 93.22%, Odegaard was the catalyst for his side's controlled display.

There were moments of quality not reflected in the numbers too, with deft touches and plenty of skilful play to get fans off their seats.

Mikel Arteta was clearly happy with what he saw from his skipper.

The Arsenal boss said: "He wanted to celebrate his beautiful birthday today in a great way — and he's done it, with a win, with a huge performance.

"The way Brighton play, the way they press you, they go man-to-man and you have to be so good, so accurate, so precise, so intelligent to do what we have done today."

Tactical tweaks

There is certainly no question about Odegaard's footballing intelligence.

At 25, he plays with a precocious maturity and very much leads by example.

He is also adaptable, having been required to take on a slightly different role in recent months.

With Declan Rice anchoring the engine room and Kai Havertz operating in more advanced areas, Odegaard has played as a deeper-lying midfielder in 2023-24.

That is the main reason for a slight drop off in output. He netted 15 times in the Premier League last season but only has four to his name so far this term.

The Gunners' No8 is contributing in other ways, though, as he demonstrated against Brighton.

As such, Arsenal are playing with more control thanks to Rice and Odegaard establishing a formidable partnership in midfield.

Back on track

Even from a deeper starting position, Odegaard has shown signs in recent weeks that goals can still flow.

He scored three in four appearances in November and early December, before contributing a crucial assist in the 4-3 victory at Luton.

A tricky period at the start of the season appears to be well and truly behind the 55-cap international heading into a crucial run of games.

Arteta said in September: "He is our captain and a really important player for us and a player who has developed, evolved and been on this journey with us together now for a few years."

Arsenal fans will be hoping Odegaard's journey in North London includes a Premier League title and a win at Anfield today would be a big step towards that goal.