Martin Odegaard is heading into Arsenal’s crucial Premier League showdown with Manchester United full of confidence after a spectacular performance in the Champions League. The Norwegian playmaker scored twice and provided a stunning assist as the Gunners demolished PSV 7-1 in their last-16 first-leg tie in Eindhoven.
Mikel Arteta’s men were relentless, with Jurrien Timber, Ethan Nwaneri, Mikel Merino, Leandro Trossard, and Riccardo Calafiori also getting on the scoresheet. The result effectively sealed their place in the quarter-finals ahead of the second leg at the Emirates.
Former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott believes Odegaard’s return to form couldn’t have come at a better time, especially with the Gunners set to face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday. “It’s really important for Martin to get those goals. That’s been one thing he’s been lacking, and this will give him a lot of confidence,” Walcott said.
Wayne Rooney, watching on as a pundit, responded with a cheeky remark about his former club: “They’ll be OK on Sunday.” However, he admitted Arsenal now have the luxury of resting players in midweek and can go all-out against United.
Odegaard himself acknowledged the importance of his performance, admitting he hasn’t hit his usual standards this season. “Every player in my position wants to influence games with goals and assists, and I haven’t been good enough at that. But tonight was a good step,” he said.
After frustrating results against West Ham and Nottingham Forest, Arsenal’s finishing had come under scrutiny. Odegaard revealed the team has been working hard on improving their end product, and the results were evident in their ruthless display against PSV.
As long as Arsenal avoid an unlikely collapse in the second leg, they will face either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals. Odegaard, a former Real player, hinted at a special reunion. “It would be special to go back there, but first, we have to finish our job at home,” he said.
For now, though, Arsenal’s full focus is on Old Trafford, where Odegaard and his teammates will look to continue their resurgence against an unpredictable Manchester United side.