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Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown believes the Gunners boast the most important player in the Premier League in Martin Ødegaard. Arsenal have enjoyed a somewhat remarkable start to the 2024-25 season and currently sit in the second position in the Premier League table.
However, most of their stellar outings this term have come with Odegaard in their ranks. The Norwegian superstar returned to action against Inter Milan in the Champions League on November 6, having picked up an injury while on international duty in September.
He has been an important player in the Arsenal team, as their only two defeats in the Premier League this season came in the player’s absence.
Odegaard made his full return against Chelsea in the Premier League, in which he provided an assist. He also provided an assist in Arsenal’s 3-0 victory against Nottingham Forest. His performances following his return haven’t gone unnoticed since his return, most especially to Martin Keown.
Keown told talkSPORT:
“He’s created 102 chances – more than anyone in the Premier League – and 41 times he’s retrieved the ball in the final third so in and out of possession. I’m struggling to think of a more important player in the Premier League."
“To come back after six weeks out and hit the ground running in the way that he did shows how he’s applied himself when he’s been out. We’d become predictable in front of goal," he added.
Martin Keown on what Arsenal need to do to close the gap in the Premier League title race
In another discussion on talkSPORT, Martin Keown also said what the Gunners need to do to close the gap with Manchester City and Liverpool in the Premier League title race. Prior to Arsenal’s game against West Ham today, Keown said the Gunners need to focus on how they can to increase their chances of winning the league.
He told talkSPORT:
“They need to win seven or eight games before [January]. That's what you have to do. Simple as that. You have to go on one of these really outstanding runs. The Forest game was one to shut out the noise. Obviously, you're looking at it and seeing there's lots of injuries, lots of suspensions, lots of away games. I mean, Arsenal at the moment are in a sequence of seven games where only one of them is at home."
“And so you look at it and you think about Liverpool's fixtures but you all play the same teams. Even this one now for Liverpool - Man City - it's a beautiful time for Liverpool to play Man City. But it might just be an incredible moment for City to strike back. So, Arsenal just need to go on a run, keep healthy and have everybody available. Some players were rested at the weekend," Keown continued.
He added:
“I think it was great to have us get a rest and hope, I suppose, that Liverpool start to ship points.
“They don't seem to be having any problems right now. And they have won a Premier League in recent times. The nucleus of that team, certainly the back four and [Mohamed] Salah, is a Premier League winning team.”
Arsenal defeated West Ham 5-2 away from home in the league today and are now in the second position on the league standings.
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Edited by Ankush Das