Alan Shearer waxed-lyrical about Martin Odegaard following Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Sunday.
After a very fast and feisty opening, which saw Mikel Arteta’s side on the back foot against a Newcastle crowd baying for blood, it was Martin Odegaard who silenced the fans.
Arsenal were struggling to control the game because of Newcastle’s press and the sheer pressure they were under because of the fans – there was a controversial penalty call which Shearer and Ian Wright argued about.
But just like against Tottenham a number of months ago, Odegaard struck a quite stunning long-range effort that beat Nick Pope in between the sticks.
The ball never lifted off the ground as it kissed into the bottom corner to the delight of the away supporters.
Whilst Shearer had his Newcastle hat on during this game, he was seriously impressed by what he saw from the man with the captain’s armband, as he told Premier League Productions (07/05/23 at 5:30 pm).
“He has to get out close,” said Shearer. “He is too deep, isn’t he, Joelinton? He has got to get closer to the best player on the park, Odegaard.
“He has ran the show. He has controlled the game, at his pace and he has been absolutely magnificent. You can’t give, someone of that ability, that much time to pick his spot because he will punish you.”
ODEGAARD IS COOKING
In the summer, Mikel Arteta handed the captain’s armband to the Norway international, after he stripped Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of that role last summer.
The last two occupants of that armband – Granit Xhaka and Aubameyang – have had very tough times of it.
But Arsenal may have found their man in Odegaard, who has just produced the best season of his career.
