“That guy is extremely good and deserves something better than Arsenal, I’ll persuade him to join me here”: Tottenham Hotspur star Heung-min Son had named the only Arsenal player he really admires, advised him to leave the club and win trophies
The Emirates Stadium was witness to a 2-1 victory for Arsenal against Tottenham where Mikel Arteta’s side reminded their detractors that they are firmly in the race to become Premier League champions.
After Liverpool slipped up in their 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest, Arsenal had the tough task of overcoming a Spurs side that are well-capable of causing an upset on their day.
Mikel Arteta and Co seemed to embrace the pressure and as the gap between themselves and league leaders Liverpool now stands at four points with Arne Slot’s side still having a game in hand — with either team looked primed to take the fight for the coveted crown down to the wire.
Tottenham talisman Dejan Kulusevski hailed Arsenal’s defending after the contest as they managed to make Spurs look powerless for much of the contest.
Tottenham’s display against Arsenal upset Ange Postecoglou, who admitted that the Gunners were the superior side on the night and by some distance.
Several of the hosts’ stalwarts had excellent games as the best team well and truly came out on top on Wednesday.
Arsenal star Martin Odegaard told Tottenham really need him
Martin Odegaard certainly led from the front, assisting Leandro Trossard’s goal with a lovely pass to spot the Belgian.
Odegaard is known to make Arsenal tick and across world football, there are not many better midfielders than him at orchestrating how a team plays.
Alistair Bruce-Ball asked Pat Nevin on BBC Five Live Sport: “Who do Tottenham need from Arsenal or is that a silly question?”
Nevin feels if there is one Arsenal player who Tottenham have a real need for, it is Odegaard, replying: “It’s bordering on a silly question because Odegaard is so good. I think so. Okay, Declan Rice might be a temptation as well because of what he gives you in so many different positions.”
In recent weeks, Odegaard has not looked his usual elegant self but against Tottenham, the midfield maestro’s incisive passing, sublime link-up play and tremendous technique were for all to see.
The former Real Madrid playmaker ran the show for much of the game, standing out alongside several of his teammates such as Declan Rice, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Gabriel Magalhaes. Here are Odegaard’s statistics from the clash.
Creating four chances, taking nine touches in the opposition box and making nine passes into the final third, the Arsenal captain was a real thorn in the visitors’ side.
Odegaard is certainly a big-game player and his latest outing was another example of that being the case.
However, in the forthcoming weeks, Arsenal have plenty of tough tests in store where the gifted attacker will have to lead by example.
Aston Villa, Manchester City and Wolves await the Gunners in three out of their next five league games — where Odegaard, who is arguably Arsenal’s most important player will have to make his mark.
Odegaard has been likened to Dennis Bergkamp and much like the Dutchman, he will have to play his best football when the pressure is at its maximum degree.
