Chelsea’s performance at the weekend has earned plenty of praise, even from the Arsenal captain.
Martin Odegaard didn’t start Sunday’s clash, but his introduction made a difference. Arsenal got their only goal just two minutes after his introduction.
Mikel Arteta was full of praise for Chelsea after their outstanding performance with ten men, and Odegaard was equally impressed.
The Gunners will be disappointed not to have capitalised on their numbers advantage, but the Norwegian thinks that was more down to how well the Blues coped after Moises Caicedo was sent off by VAR.
Martin Odegaard and Liam Delap during Chelsea vs Arsenal
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Martin Odegaard says Chelsea are not an easy team to play
Arsenal have raced out to an early lead in the standings, and that can be attributed in large part to how physically dominant they have been in all areas of the pitch.
But Chelsea weren’t going to let them do the same at Stamford Bridge. Even with a player less, there was no change in approach. The goal was to stifle the opposition — and Reece James led that effort magnificently.
Reece James set to be benched for Leeds vs Chelsea
“The reality is no!” 😓
Enzo Maresca says Reece James will be unable to face Leeds on Wednesday following his sensational performance against Arsenal ✨ pic.twitter.com/5Bxb9EEVKa
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) November 30, 2025
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Odegaard feels as though it was an opportunity missed, but a positive result all the same against a tricky opponent.
On the latest episode of The Arsenal Podcast, he states: “I’m still a bit disappointed we didn’t win, but going away to Chelsea with the form they’re in, it’s never easy.
“So yeah, some good results, now we have to back it up, keep going and keep pushing.”
Against another side, a draw under such favourable circumstances would feel like points lost, but beating Chelsea at home is no easy feat, especially playing how they did on Sunday.
Chelsea need to keep that same intensity against Leeds
Naturally, a derby is going to rile up the players more than your average Premier League fixture, but Chelsea need to show the mentality of treating every game as a must-win.
They will feel better equipped with an extra man back on the pitch, even if it’s not Caicedo.
Our XI to face Leeds!
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Too many times last season, a morale-boosting result like the weekend’s would be followed by a flat showing against a team Enzo Maresca would be expecting to make light work of.
Leeds will be riled up for the game, and the pressure on the manager will only make the evening that bit more charged.
Chelsea need to kill the energy at Elland Road with an early goal and show that same desire that impressed so many against Arsenal.