At a Glance:
Martin Odegaard proved Roy Keane wrong vs West Ham.
Keane doubted whether the Arsenal captain was good enough.
Odegaard stepped up in special 15-touch cameo.
Martin Odegaard proved to be the difference-maker for Arsenal as he assisted Leandro Trossard’s winning goal in his side’s crucial 1-0 victory against West Ham United.
Odegaard instantly dictated proceedings against West Ham when he came off the bench and the Norwegian took responsibility from the get-go.
Roy Keane questioned Odegaard earlier this campaign about whether he is at the level to help the Gunners win silverware.
Keane said in April: “I still don’t think Odegaard is enough. He’s neat and tidy and he’s good but…”
Martin Odegaard disproves Roy Keane in match-winning cameo during West Ham vs Arsenal
However, it’s safe to say that Odegaard has silenced his critics, including Roy Keane as ultimately, Arsenal may not have beaten West Ham had he not been on the pitch. The former Real Madrid playmaker is often slated for being risk-averse in possession but that was not the case against the Hammers.
Just a few minutes after coming off the bench, Odegaard played a stunning through ball to find Noni Madueke behind the opposition defence but the winger’s final ball left a lot to be desired.
Odegaard has come under fire this season but just a minute later, he found Martin Zubimendi with a sensational pass once again. This time around, the Spaniard’s cutback was intercepted. Soon after, the midfielder played a wonderful one-two with Declan Rice before setting Trossard’s goal up.
Considering Odegaard just took 15 touches of the ball, it is surprising just how threatening he was against the Irons.
Martin Odegaard vs West Ham Stats
Touches 15
Chances created 1
Passes into the final third 3
Touches in opposition box 1
All statistics via FotMob
Odegaard has been a great captain for Arsenal but at the London Stadium, he may have taken a giant leap towards becoming a legendary one as he stepped up when it mattered against West Ham.
With the 27-year-old also serving as a connector in deeper areas and always showing for the ball, the man from Drammen might have put in as flawless a cameo as one will ever come across.
How Martin Odegaard reacted to Leandro Trossard’s goal
Odegaard’s reaction to Trossard’s late goal was a picture worth a thousand words.
It's been a really tough season for Martin Odegaard. Horrible, unfortunate injuries. In and out of the team, constantly being questioned. He'll admit it himself that at times he hasn't been at his best when he has been fit and available.
But that cameo today off the bench, that… pic.twitter.com/381oui0g6J
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) May 10, 2026
Journalist Charles Watts took to X to share a clip of how elated the Gunners maestro was as he was on his knees celebrating before pounding the ground in relief.
It seemed like a weight had been lifted off Odegaard’s shoulders, who has had a tough season due to injuries and form but he put in a captain’s performance against West Ham.
Srinivas Sadhanand
Srinivas Sadhanand is a writer for Read Arsenal and Read Man City, with over eight years of experience as a sports journalist. He has worked for established companies such as GRV Media, The Economic Times, Urban Pitch and Sportskeeda among several others. From interview athletes to writing detailed tactical pieces and covering the impact streetwear and music in football, he has many strings to his bow as a journalist. Being a lifelong Manchester City fan, he specialises in writing about them and the Premier League in particular. Away from the desk, he loves watching European football, cricket, films, listening to music and exploring new foods.
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