Martin Ødegaard has undergone a remarkable transformation since the beginning of this campaign, and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta attributes his captain's surge in form to a combination of improved fitness and a fresh tactical deployment. Ødegaard once again proved decisive for the Gunners on Wednesday, netting the solitary goal that secured a Champions League triumph over Napoli. This strike followed his match‑winning finish against Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday, bringing his tally to four goals in five appearances across all competitions this season.
During the injury‑plagued 2025/26 season, Ødegaard managed just a single goal for Arsenal. Yet this year his contributions have broadened far beyond scoring; he now registers higher numbers in a range of attacking metrics, including touches inside the opposition box, which have risen from an average of 2.5 per 90 minutes last season to 4.3 per 90 minutes so far this term.
When questioned about the dramatic improvement in his post‑match press conference, Arteta highlighted the importance of availability. "First of all, he needs to be available and last year he missed so many games through injuries," the manager explained.
Consistent playing time, he added, has allowed Ødegaard to develop a sharper edge and forge new relationships on the pitch, both of which have contributed to his heightened effectiveness. Arteta also emphasized the impact of fresh combinations with teammates. "He's got that edge and different relationships around him as well and that helps," he said.
"He can start to occupy different heights in the team, especially in the attacking phase, and when we get him into those positions he's a really dangerous player." The statistics back up Artetta's observations. Ødegaard's involvement in the final third has increased noticeably, with his number of touches inside the opponent's penalty area climbing significantly. This uptick reflects a strategic shift that sees him positioned higher up the field, where he can exploit spaces and create scoring opportunities more frequently.
The manager credited this freedom to the quality of Arsenal's supporting cast. "We have a lot of players that can take the ball there and progress the ball much better than we did in the past," Arteta noted. "When that happens, Ødegaard needs to take different heights and angles and positions in order to disorganise the opponent and he's done that really well." One of the players Arteta referenced is new signing Christos Tzolis, who has already contributed four assists this season, three of which directly set up Ødegaard's goals, including the decisive strike in Naples. Tzolis's ability to deliver precise passes has been instrumental in allowing Ødegaard to operate in more threatening zones.
Arsenal's attacking display at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona was nothing short of spectacular. The Gunners registered 26 shots – the highest total recorded in the competition since the 2003/04 season – and generated an expected‑goals (xG) figure of 4.05, indicating that they were highly efficient in creating quality chances. Ødegaard's goal was the culmination of a 29‑pass build‑up, showcasing his vision and composure under pressure. Arteta praised his captain's mentality after the match: "That's what we need – players with the mindset to decide a game and play with personality.
To keep taking chances and risks. He's getting into those positions much more in recent games and now you feel he has the emotional state that he knows the ball can go in, and he scored an incredible goal tonight." Sky Sports analyst Nick Wright echoed these sentiments, describing Ødegaard as a player in unmistakable form. Wright noted that from the opening minutes, Ødegaard exuded confidence, constantly seeking the ball, exploiting gaps in Napoli's defence, and delivering incisive passes.
His goal, taken from the edge of the box after a patient build‑up, highlighted his ability to combine technical skill with decisive finishing. The statistics underline the breadth of Ødegaard's influence. In addition to his goal, he recorded the most touches, completed the highest number of passes, and created more clear‑cut chances than any other player on the field.
His creativity was evident in moments such as the clever pass that freed Ben White for a golden opportunity, only to be thwarted by a superb save from Piero Hincapie. Arteta summed up the impact succinctly: "Martin is contributing goals. That is obviously impacting results which is what we want from our attacking players, to be decisive, and certainly he was that today." Overall, Ødegaard's resurgence illustrates how a blend of improved physical condition, tactical adjustments, and synergistic partnerships with teammates can revitalize a player's output. Arsenal appear to be reaping the benefits of this evolution, with the Norwegian midfielder now acting as both a creative hub and a reliable goal scorer, driving the team forward in domestic and European competitions.