Martin Odegaard has undergone a remarkable transformation at Arsenal since the start of the current campaign, and manager Mikel Arteta attributes the captain's surge in form to a combination of improved fitness and a refreshed tactical role. The Norwegian midfielder has become a decisive factor in Arsenal's recent successes, most notably netting the solitary goal in the Champions League triumph over Napoli on Wednesday. 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. In contrast, during the injury‑plagued 2025/26 season, Odegaard managed only a single goal for the Gunners.
However, this season his contributions extend far beyond scoring; his statistics show significant gains in a variety of attacking metrics, including key passes, chances created, and touches inside the opposition box. His average touches in the opponent's penalty area have risen from 2.5 per 90 minutes last season to 4.3 per 90 minutes so far, highlighting his increased involvement in the final third. When asked about the dramatic improvement in the post‑match press conference, Arteta emphasized the importance of availability. "First of all, he needs to be available and last year he missed so many games through injuries," Arteta said.
He added that the underlying quality has always been present, but the constant injury setbacks—two shoulder problems and an MCL tear—had limited Odegaard's impact. Declan Rice echoed this sentiment in an interview with Sky Sports, noting that the World Cup showcased the Martin we all know and love, and that the team must continue to give him the ball to allow his natural game to flourish. Arteta also highlighted the fresh combinations forming with his teammates as a catalyst for the captain's resurgence. "He's got that edge and different relationships around him as well and that helps," the Arsenal boss explained.
He pointed out that Odegaard now operates at varying heights and angles within the attacking phase, making him a far more dangerous presence when positioned correctly. This tactical nuance is reflected in his increased involvement in high‑risk areas, where he can disrupt defensive structures and create space for his colleagues. A key factor behind Odegaard's newfound freedom is the improved support from Arsenal's midfield and wide players.
Arteta praised the squad's ability to progress the ball more efficiently than in previous seasons. "We have a lot of players that can take the ball there and progress the ball much better than we did in the past," he said. When the ball is moved quickly and accurately, Odegaard can exploit different angles, forcing opponents to adjust their shape and often leaving gaps for him to exploit. One of the players benefiting from this system is recent signing Christos Tzolis, who has already recorded four assists, three of which have directly set up Odegaard's goals, including the decisive strike in Naples.
The Arsenal attack, operating fluently down both flanks and through the centre, looked particularly potent at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. The Gunners recorded 26 shots in total – the highest tally in the competition since the 2003/04 season – and an expected‑goals figure of 4.05, indicating that they were unlucky not to score even more.
Arteta summed up his expectations for the captain: "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." The manager's confidence reflects a broader shift in Arsenal's attacking philosophy, where creativity and risk‑taking are encouraged. Sky Sports analyst Nick Wright offered his own appraisal, describing Odegaard as a player in unmistakable form.
From the opening minutes against Napoli, Odegaard exuded class and confidence, demanding possession, finding seams in the Italian defence, and threading incisive passes. His goal, a composed finish from the edge of the box after a 29‑pass build‑up, underscored his impact.
The statistic of four goals in five games this season marks a stark contrast to his solitary goal in 36 appearances the previous term, underscoring the dramatic turnaround. Beyond scoring, Odegaard's overall influence was evident in his superior passing numbers, chance creation, and the sheer volume of touches compared with any other player on the pitch. Napoli struggled to contain him, and his vision was on display when he delivered a clever pass to free Ben White for a golden‑chance opportunity, which was ultimately saved by goalkeeper Piero Hincapie. This moment exemplified Odegaard's ingenuity and his ability to unlock tightly packed defences.
Arteta reiterated the significance of Odegaard's contributions after the match: "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." The manager's remarks capture the essence of Arsenal's evolving approach – a blend of tactical flexibility, player confidence, and a willingness to take bold actions in crucial moments. Looking ahead, Arsenal will aim to build on this momentum, with Odegaard at the centre of their creative engine.
His improved health, combined with a role that maximises his strengths – movement into dangerous zones, intelligent positioning, and an unrelenting desire to influence the game – suggests that the Gunners have a potent weapon in their arsenal. If the current trajectory continues, Odegaard could well become one of the Premier League's most influential midfielders, driving Arsenal's push for silverware on both domestic and European fronts.
The transformation witnessed this season not only revitalises his career but also reinforces Arsenal's ambition to compete at the highest level.