William Saliba, Bukayo Saka react to Martin Odegaard’s ‘thank you’ Arsenal post
Martin Odegaard caught the attention of his teammates as Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal squad prepares to face Arsenal over in Hong Kong.
The Norwegian star continued into pre-season as if the 2024/25 campaign never finished, netting a winner against Newcastle United in an action-packed friendly match on Sunday, 27 July.
Joelinton was punished for a foul on Max Dowman, a super-talented 15-year-old, who appears ready to make the drastic step-up to first-team football, though the Gunners will be careful with his development.
With a victory over AC Milan, too, the Gunners will be hoping for more success when facing North London rivals Tottenham on Thursday, 31 July, in front of a passionate fanbase.
Arsenal fans were concerned over Odegaard’s performances last season, but with 11 assists for the fourth consecutive season and Viktor Gyokeres signed, his displays should improve vastly.
Martin Odegaard leads by example in pre-season
Taking to Instagram (29 July), Odegaard wrote: “Thank you, Singapore,” with the national flag, and red and white flags, having scored the winning goal against Newcastle United.
The post drew likes from multiple teammates, including Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, David Raya, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Arsenal’s exit-linked forward Leandro Trossard.
Arsenal must win the Premier League in 2025/26
Football Insider verdict
With such an exciting summer transfer window at the Emirates Stadium, expectations will be at an all-time high, having also come second in the Premier League title race again and coming close in the Champions League.
Supporters are becoming increasingly frustrated by a lack of titles in North London, with the finger likely to be pointed at Arteta if Arsenal go trophyless for another season running.
The Spaniard was also heavily criticised last season for his inability to bring in a centre-forward when one was needed most, ending up with Mikel Merino transformed into a makeshift striker.
However, with Andrea Berta working behind the scenes, the Gunners have managed to bring Gyokeres to the Emirates, a player who has notched 97 goals during his last two campaigns at Sporting CP.
The squad has been crying out for a figure like him in the final third, with Odegaard and Saka ready to create for a lethal striker, but he will likely need to adjust to the league before firing on all cylinders.