Martin Ødegaard’s Resurgence Fuels Arsenal’s Title Push

After two injury-hit seasons, the 27-year-old Norwegian has been repositioned from a traditional No 10 to a more rounded No 8, dropping deeper to receive the ball and link play. Manager Mikel Arteta’s staff have deliberately increased Ødegaard’s presence in advanced areas, pairing him with Kai Havertz’s false-9 movement. The shift has also seen Ødegaard make more runs into the opposition box, creating space for teammates such as Christos Tzolis and delivering decisive assists, including the match-winner against Chelsea.

The Guardian

Opta Analyst data shows Ødegaard now averages 3.2 high-intensity runs per 90 minutes into the opposition’s box while Arsenal have possession, more than double the 1.4 recorded last term. His goal output has risen from 0.65 xG per 90 last season to 2.8 xG per 90, a four-fold increase, and he has contributed three goals in four appearances. He is one of only two Premier League players—alongside Chelsea’s Morgan Rogers—to register at least 1.0 expected goals and 1.0 expected assists. Moreover, only seven players have been involved in more open-play shot-ending sequences than Ødegaard, and he leads the league in sequences where he both takes the shot and participates in the buildup (four).

The Guardian

His league minutes have been limited by past injuries: 1,371 of a possible 3,420 minutes (just over 40 %) this season, compared with near-full attendance in his first three full campaigns.

The Guardian

Arteta’s tactical tweaks emphasize Ødegaard’s defensive positioning and ability to coach the team’s press, while Havertz operates as an intelligent centre-forward who thrives on runners ahead of him. The analysis notes that Ødegaard’s increased proximity to Havertz should help the forward challenge his personal best of 15 goals across all competitions set in 2022-23. Internally, Ødegaard faces pressure from Eberechi Eze, who covered for him during extended injury periods last season, though Arteta appears to favour Ødegaard for his all-round contribution.

The Guardian

Arsenal’s sustained challenges for the Premier League crown this season coincide with Ødegaard’s resurgence. The team’s functional stability—limited personnel changes over the summer—has amplified his influence, and his involvement in key attacking sequences has been linked to Arsenal’s unbeaten runs and their progression to the Champions League final. While causality is difficult to isolate, the correlation between Ødegaard’s form and Arsenal’s elevated performance is evident.

The Guardian

The primary question remains Ødegaard’s durability. Historically, he started 32, 37 and 35 of 38 league games in his first three full seasons, but managed only 26 and 16 appearances in the two most recent campaigns. Maintaining fitness will be crucial for both his personal development and Arsenal’s continued challenge on domestic and European fronts.

The Guardian