Former Arsenal star Paul Merson has encouraged Mikel Arteta to “take a chance” on midfielder Martin Odegaard for the Gunners’ vital clash against Chelsea this weekend.
Also Read: Billy Gilmour Tipped to Shine at Premier League Giants Arsenal or Man City
Odegaard, who recently returned from a 12-game absence due to an ankle injury, could be pivotal in Arsenal’s push for a top-four position if Manchester City and Liverpool secure wins in their respective fixtures before Arsenal’s match.
Top-of-the-table Liverpool and reigning champions City could both widen the points gap with victories, heightening the stakes for Arsenal to secure three points at Stamford Bridge.
The Gunners have endured a challenging spell, recently falling to Inter Milan and dropping points in crucial league matches. Merson highlighted Odegaard’s playmaking skills, which Arsenal missed during his absence, describing him as essential to breaking down organized defenses.
He emphasized that with Odegaard on the field, Arsenal has the creativity needed to unlock stubborn defenses and secure critical results.
As Arteta and Arsenal seek a morale-boosting performance, Merson believes Odegaard should be prioritized, especially considering upcoming international games.
The Arsenal manager himself echoed Merson’s optimism, stating that their recent performance against Inter Milan demonstrated the team’s capability to compete at a high level, and he is confident in their chances against Chelsea if they replicate that energy.
