Arsenal player who had made four key passes was even better than Gabriel Martinelli vs Olympiacos
Gabriel Martinelli was not the only Arsenal star who shone in the Gunners’ 2-0 win over Olympiacos.
After Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao on matchday one, the Gunners made it two wins out of two in the Champions League.
Martinelli scored the game’s opening goal inside the opening 12 minutes, as the Brazilian netted for the third time in five matches, before Bukayo Saka’s strike in second half stoppage time.
David Raya stunned Ally McCoist with a superb save to deny Daniel Podence, in the visitors’ best chance of the match, but it was a deserved win for Arsenal with one star particularly impressing.
Martin Odegaard stars in Arsenal win
Mikel Arteta elected to rotate his squad against Olympiacos, which included a first start in five matches for captain Martin Odegaard.
Odegaard was substituted with a shoulder injury against Nottingham Forest and grabbed an assist on his return against Newcastle.
With competition increasing for his role in the number 10 position from Eberechi Eze, Odegaard ran the show in midfield.
| Minutes Played | 90 |
| Touches | 86 |
| Accurate Passes | 54 |
| Accurate Passes in final third | 19 |
| Accurate long passes | 7 |
| Key Passes | 4 |
Before Newcastle, Odegaard had not registered a goal or assist this season, and questions had started to be raised about his form.
However, the 26-year-old showed his composure on the ball against Olympiacos, and given Arteta a decision to make about who to start vs West Ham next.
Ally McCoist heaps praise on Odegaard
Speaking on TNT Sports, [1 October] Ally McCoist was amazed at Odegaard’s display.
“[Martin] Odegaard’s range of passing and his awareness of where people are, particularly in wide areas is remarkable,” McCoist said.
“I don’t want to get carried away but I am really enjoying Arsenal at the minute.”
Odegaard’s injury hit start to the season perhaps has not helped Viktor Gyokeres up-front, who could benefit from the Norwegian’s excellent vision and passing range.
The midfielder should have topped off his performance with a goal, but was thwarted by a fine reaction save.
Once Odegaard hits top form again then the Gunners will only go up another gear than the level they are currently reaching.