Martin Odegaard (foto: Official TW/IG/FB account)
Arsenal ended a five-game winless streak with a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, reigniting their title hopes as Martin Odegaard’s return inspired a dominant performance.
Mikel Arteta hailed Martin Odegaard as pivotal to Arsenal’s resurgence after the Gunners secured a convincing 3-0 victory against Nottingham Forest on Saturday. The win at the Emirates ended a five-game winless streak and reignited Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes.
Arsenal Back in Form
Strikes from Bukayo Saka and Thomas Partey, along with a debut Premier League goal for Ethan Nwaneri, lifted Arsenal to 22 points, level with third-placed Chelsea. The Gunners, runners-up in the past two seasons, reduced their deficit to league leaders Liverpool to six points.
Speaking after the match, Arteta emphasized Odegaard's influence, saying, "The team flows in a different way when he is playing."
Odegaard Shines on Return
Making his first Emirates appearance since August after a two-month injury layoff, Odegaard was instrumental. The Norwegian captain orchestrated Arsenal's attack with precision, linking up brilliantly with Bukayo Saka, who opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a stunning left-footed strike after exchanging passes with Odegaard.
Odegaard also set up chances for Gabriel Jesus, who narrowly missed, and continued to find space in the penalty area, underlining what Arsenal had missed during his absence.
Partey and Nwaneri Seal the Win
In the second half, Partey doubled Arsenal's lead with a sublime 20-yard curler after receiving Saka’s pass. Seventeen-year-old Nwaneri added a third in the 86th minute, tucking away Raheem Sterling’s cutback to become one of Arsenal’s youngest Premier League scorers.
Arteta's Praise for Nwaneri
Arteta was full of praise for the teenager, saying, "He’s brave. The fans were singing, 'He’s one of our own.' We have to build carefully, brick by brick."
Looking Ahead
With Odegaard back to full fitness and Arsenal rediscovering their rhythm, the Gunners aim to maintain momentum as they chase Liverpool and Manchester City in the title race. Their next challenge comes away against Bournemouth, where they'll look to continue climbing the table.