Club captain Martin Odegaard led Arsenal out for the 100th time in Sunday's1-1 draw at Fulham.
The Norwegian made his 163rd appearance for the Gunners at Craven Cottage - a very impressive achievement for a player who is still only 25 years old and yet to reach his prime.
Sunday's game at Fulham was a frustrating one, very similar to how the skipper's first game with the armband panned out. While it wasn't a result his side can be particularly happy with, Odegaard can be pleased with having reached a personal milestone in Arsenal colours.
Fulham FC v Arsenal FC - Premier League
Odegaard first captained Arsenal in April 2022 as his side suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat away to Southampton. The result ended up having costly consequences as the Gunners eventually failed to secure a top-four spot and a place in the Champions League.
Already the skipper of Norway, Odegaard continued to wear the armband in place of then-club captain Alexandre Lacazette. The midfielder was then officially given the title ahead of the 2022/23 season, bestowed with the honour by former club captain Mikel Arteta.
He marked his first season as captain with several sensational individual performances and also led his side in a title charge. Odegaard finished the campaign with 15 goals in the Premier League but failed to lift the trophy at the end of the season.
Odegaard was at the forefront of another title charge in 2023/24, although his output did dwindle as he only scored eight times in the league. The skipper was unable to take his team to their first title in 20 years but was the leader of yet another excellent Arsenal side that pushed Manchester City all the way.
✅ 99
🔜 100
This weekend Martin Odegaard is set to become only the fifth player to captain us in a century of matches since 1989 🙌
📊 Take a look at the stats behind his reign as skipper 👇
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 6, 2024
It is safe to say the Norwegian has enjoyed his time as Arsenal captain, winning 66 of the 100 games he has skippered. A win percentage of 66% gives him the best out of any player who has captained the Gunners on more than 20 occasions since the 1988/89 season.
Against Fulham, Odegaard became just the fifth player to captain Arsenal in 100 matches since 1989. This puts him in exclusive company, sitting among the likes of legends Patrick Vieira and Tony Adams. He will be disappointed not to have marked the occasion with a win, however.
As his success rate shows, Odegaard has installed a sense of consistency into this Arsenal side. While he is yet to take his side to a major trophy, it is hard to argue that this will eventually come under his leadership.
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