Martin Odegaard has explained why he has looked really good in the last few weeks after delivering another top performance as Arsenal beat Coventry City.
The midfielder struggled throughout the 2025/2026 season as Arsenal won the league without much contribution from their captain, and there were even talks of him being replaced by Eberechi Eze in the starting line-up.
However, whenever he played, he showed that he was better than the Englishman, leaving the Gunners keen for him to earn more game time at the club whenever he was fit.
His fitness was not at the level required to play consistently, and that affected how much he contributed to the success that the team achieved.
Odegaard explains his improvement
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This season has to be better, and so far, he has looked to be in fine shape, maintaining the form that he showed for Norway during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
Odegaard remains one of the best players in the Arsenal team, and the midfielder has explained why he struggled last season and has looked better in recent weeks.
His improved fitness has allowed him to find his rhythm again, and that has already been evident in Arsenal’s opening matches of the campaign.
Arsenal captain finding his rhythm
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Odegaard’s return to his best level could be a major boost for the Gunners as they look to defend their league title. The captain has already shown signs that he can make a much greater contribution this season.
After struggling with injuries last term, he now feels in a much better place physically and mentally, which could help him maintain his form as the season progresses.
He said via [Premier League Productions](https://www.premierleague.com/en/matchweek/2026_1/blog?day=5&tab=reporting):
“A combination of many things, last season was very tough with injuries and could never really find my rhythm, winning the league with Arsenal and then having a good World Cup, feeling good and fit with my body, then a good break. All these things put me in a good place right now, it’s really nice to feel that way.”