Arsenal produced a stunning 5-1 victory over Sporting Lisbon in the UEFA Champions League to position themselves comfortably inside the top eight with just three games remaining.
It was the first time Arsenal had scored in four away Champions League games, a run stretching back to December 2023.
The front three of Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka were all on the scoresheet, with goals also coming from centre-back Gabriel and substitute Leandro Trossard.
However, TNT Sports pundit Martin Keown is under no illusions as to the reason why Arsenal have suddenly clicked in an attacking sense.
Martin Keown believes Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka are Europe’s best
Speaking on TNT Sports post-match coverage on Tuesday evening, former Gunners defender Martin Keown claimed that Martin Odegaard’s return from injury has been the key factor behind the North London side’s return to form.
Keown stated: “Odegaard is a player that has come in and really opened up that creative channel for Saka.”
He then went on to make a bold claim, “Odegaard and Saka are as good as anything in Europe on that right-hand side of the pitch.”
The pair have contributed 17 goals and assists between them so far this season with six of those coming after Odegaard’s return to the side at the beginning of November.
They combined brilliantly on Tuesday night once again, tormenting the Sporting defence all game with Odegaard in particular sparkling. Saying that – Saka was also phenomenal against Lisbon.
Bukayo Saka has smile back on his face for Arsenal
It seems that it is not just fans and pundits alike that have noticed the difference in Arsenal since their skippers return.
Speaking after the game on TNT Sports, Bukayo Saka, one-half of that deadly duo Keown has been waxing lyrical about, spoke about his partnership with Odegaard.
Saka told TNT: “He’s an unbelievable player and the day he returned, there was a big smile on my face and you can see the chemistry we have, how much I enjoy playing with him. So I’m happy he’s back and hope he stays fit for the rest of the season.”
Since Odegaard’s return against Chelsea after missing 13 games with an ankle injury sustained on international duty in September, Arsenal have scored nine in three games with Saka notching two of those nine.
It is evident that Odegaard not only brings goals and assists himself but also raises the standards of those around him. Arsenal fans will be hoping this continues with the next run of fixtures in the Premier League.
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