Martin Odegaard takes a throw-in against Chelsea. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Arsenal are a ‘different proposition’ with Martin Odegaard now fit.
That’s according to former Blackburn Rovers and Celtic striker Chris Sutton, who believes the Norwegian will make the difference in this weekend’s London derby with West Ham United.
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Odegaard missed a large portion of the early season with an ankle injury, during that time arsenal they won just three of seven Premier League games and almost saw their title challenge collapse.
Since their return, Arsenal have drawn 1-1 away at Chelsea, thrashed Nottingham Forest 3-0 at home and thrashed Sporting CP 5-1 in the Champions League.
“We’re very happy to have him back. We’re better with him, I hope he doesn’t get injured again. We have to enjoy playing with him. You can see we’re better with him,” Arsenal defender William said recently Saliba on Odegaard (via Squawka).
Will Martin Odegaard make the difference for Arsenal?
Arsenal face another big challenge this weekend when they travel to the London Stadium to face West Ham United.
The Hammers will be full of confidence after beating Newcastle 2-0 at St. James’ Park on Monday. And while they lost 6-0 at home the last time they faced Arsenal, West Ham were unbeaten in three games against the Gunners before that.
But according to Sutton, there will be no shocks for Arsenal here now that Odegaard is back in action.
“Julen Lopetegui really needed Monday’s win at Newcastle after a difficult start as West Ham boss,” Sutton wrote in his predictions column for BBC Sport.
Tipping Arsenal for a 1-0 win, he added: “He and his team will be buoyed by it, but this is not a good time to play Arsenal, who are purring again now that Martin Odegaard is back of injury
“The Gunners weren’t in great form without Odegaard, but he gives them a different proposition and I will say he will make the difference in a very tight game.”
