Mikel Arteta showered praises on Martin Odegaard’s and pointed out his composure as he helped us get back into the game from the brink of defeat. His performance was driving force as we came back from three goals to secure a 3-3 draw with West Ham at the London Stadium.
The Norwegian twice played in Calum Chambers to deliver crosses resulted in the first and second goal. He then went ahead to tee up Nicolas Pepe who picked out Alex Lacazette with a cross for the equaliser.
Odegaard had a 93% pass completion rate in the game, which includes 37 completed passes out of an attempted 41in the final third.
“I think he had an incredible performance, he was very intelligent the way he read the game, the way he affected the game and again he showed how much he wants to win,” he said.
“When everyone was a little bit trembling, he gave us that composure on the ball and he created chance after chance.
“I love talented and creative players that all the time are willing to take that ball and make things happen, that are mobile and also hard-working. He is one of them.
“We have some others with different qualities but it’s true that Martin is now giving us a different level on certain things that we didn’t have.”
Arteta also praised Martin for the way he drives his teammates to implement the high press.
“He’s been showing that from week one,” Arteta added. “When he steps on to that pitch, he always wants the ball.
“He commands the pressing and he’s been really influential. I think we are all happily surprised because he looks shy and humble but when he steps on that pitch, he is a real character. He loves to play football.”
