Arteta: Only Odegaard wasn’t trembling

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta once again hailed the performance of on-loan Real Madrid star Martin Odegaard following the comeback against West Ham on Sunday.

The Gunners fell three goals behind in the first 32 minutes of the Premier League clash in East London.

However, a brilliant performance from Odegaard inspired Arsenal to a stirring comeback and a well-earned 3-3 draw.

It was the latest impressive display from the Norwegian, who in January joined Arsenal from Real Madrid on loan until the end of the season.

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“I think he had an incredible performance,” Arteta said at full time.

“I think he was very intelligent the way he read the game, the way he affected the game and again he showed how much he wanted to win.

“When everyone was a little trembling, he gave us that stability and that composure on the ball and he created chance after chance.

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“He’s showing what I thought from week one. The way he steps on the pitch, he always wants the ball, the way he commands the pressing.

“He’s been really influential. I think we’ve all been a bit surprised because he looks really shy and humble, but when he steps on that pitch he’s a real character and he loves to play football.”

It remains to be seen whether Odegaard will make his Arsenal move permanent at the end of the season or returns to parent club Real Madrid.

He made just three La Liga starts for Madrid during the first half of the campaign.