The season of Martin Ødegaard had been a tale of two halves. After a blistering start to the 2025-26 campaign, where the Arsenal captain orchestrated 12 assists in his first 15 Premier League outings, a nagging hamstring tweak in October sidelined him for six weeks.
The Everton Epiphany
The return of Martin Ødegaard was stuttering: just two goals and four assists in the ensuing nine games, with progressive passes dipping to 7.2 per match from a peak of 11.5. Critics whispered of lost magic, but against Everton on December 20, 2025, Ødegaard silenced them with a virtuoso display that reclaimed his throne as the league’s midfield metronome.
In Arsenal’s 1-0 grind-it-out win at Goodison Park, Martin Ødegaard was the key to Arsenal rhythm. He completed 92% of his 68 passes, created three chances, and notched his fifth goal of the season with a curled beauty in the 32nd minute—his first from open play since November. It wasn’t just the strike; it was the rhythm. Ødegaard dictated tempo like a conductor, threading balls through Everton’s press and winning 8 of 10 duels. “Martin’s back to being unplayable,” beamed Mikel Arteta post-match, crediting extra sessions on ball mastery. Stats bore it out: his xA (expected assists) rocketed to 0.89, highest in the game.
🇳🇴 Martin Ødegaard vs Premier League Midfielders, per 90
◉ Through passes – 1st
◉ Passes to penalty box – 1st
◉ Progressive pass accuracy % – 1st
◎ Key passes – 2nd
◎ Expected assists – 2nd
◎ Forward passes – 2nd
◎ Progressive passes completed – 2nd
◎ Passes to final… pic.twitter.com/Yppno1s1g2
— DataMB (@DataMB_) December 30, 2025
Reigniting Arsenal’s Attack
Ødegaard’s resurgence cascades through the squad. Bukayo Saka‘s output surged—two goals in the last two fixtures—fueled by Ødegaard’s pinpoint crosses. The Gunners’ possession climbed to 62% against Everton, up from 54% in prior dips, while shots on target doubled. With Declan Rice anchoring, Ødegaard’s freedom allows lethal transitions, blending Norwegian finesse with Premier League grit. Injuries to Riccardo Calafiori tested depth, but Ødegaard’s vision masked frailties, turning potential draws into dominance.
Horizon of Harmony
As Arsenal eye the Bournemouth clash on January 3, 2026, Ødegaard’s rhythm signals title intent. No longer missing, his beat propels the Emirates machine. If sustained, expect 15+ assists by May—Ødegaard isn’t just dictating tempo; he’s composing symphonies. Arsenal’s charge resumes, with their maestro fully tuned.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
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