close
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta lauded star midfielder Martin Odegaard following the side's 2-0 win over Manchester United in midweek. Ahead of the Gunners' Premier League clash against Fulham on Sunday (December 8), the Spaniard said (via football.london):
"Massive player. He showed again in big matches what he can deliver and the spirit that he brings to the team. We’re really happy with him."
Odegaard was at his creative best as Arsenal comfortably dispatched Manchester United 2-0. While he did not record a goal contribution, his passing and activity in the midfield proved to be constant threats for the Red Devils. He finished the game with three chances created, five passes into the final third, four dribbles completed and two accurate long balls.
The Gunners captain suffered an ankle injury on international duty back in August but returned to action only in late November. The side had a difficult time in his absence, struggling for creativity as they dropped nine points behind Liverpool in the Premier League title race. His return has boosted the side in a massive way and he now has one goal and two assists in seven league appearances.
Mikel Arteta reacts to Ruben Amorim claim as Arsenal beat Manchester United
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta shut down claims from Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim about the Gunners' reliance on set-pieces. Following the London side's 2-0 win, the Portuguese manager insisted that the clash was fairly level until the dead-ball situations made the difference.
Amorim said (via mirror.co.uk):
“I think the difference today was set-pieces. Because, in set-pieces, you see a goal, then the momentum changes. It’s really hard for us to take full control of the game, but we tried.”
In reply, Arteta said:
"Last year we scored the most goals in the history of this football club. Not because of only set pieces, [but] because of a lot of things that we have. We want to create individual and magic moments.
"A lot of players can create their own goals. We can create goals from short counters and long counters, slow build-ups, restarts and the opportunity to open up the opposition. Every single phase of play let's maximise it, keep working on it, keep improving."
Jurrien Timber and William Saliba got on the scoresheet as corners delivered from Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka proved to be highly effective. Arsenal's 25 goals from such situations from the beginning of last season rank the highest among any team in the Premier League.
Manchester United looked defensively solid for the most part, but the hosts' 13 corners proved to make the difference in the end, handing Amorim the first loss of his tenure.
Why did you not like this content?
Cancel Submit
Was this article helpful?
like selected
avatar selected
Thank You for feedback
Quick Links
More from Sportskeeda
Edited by Sudeshna Banerjee