Both Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka are top players in the Premier League, but what makes them special is the way they work together. Odegaard exploits Saka’s attacking abilities, while Saka creates space for Odegaard to unleash his full potential. It’s not just a technical partnership, it’s a deep connection based on a telepathic understanding.
This was evident in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest. After Odegaard returned from an ankle injury, the game was a reminder of how Mikel Arteta’s right-wing duo are one of the most dangerous weapons in the league. The Gunners’ attacks almost always flowed through Odegaard and Saka, leaving not only Forest but also other opponents completely helpless to stop them.
Odegaard’s presence has made Saka more dangerous than ever this season. In the five Premier League games in which they have played together, the Englishman has scored more goals, assisted more and had more shots than in the six games in which the Arsenal captain has been absent. It is clear that the Norwegian playmaker is not just a teammate but also a catalyst for Saka to reach his peak form.
“Sometimes you meet someone and you instantly feel a connection. That’s what happened between Odegaard and Saka, both on and off the pitch,” Mikel Arteta said.
Martin Odegaard is not only a playmaker but also a leader of Arsenal's attacking tempo. In the match against Nottingham Forest, the 25-year-old midfielder showed his "conductor" class with skillful ball handling, escaping tackles and creating countless opportunities. The Norwegian star leads the important statistics on the pitch, including the number of successful dribbles (3 times), the number of chances created (6 times) and the number of passes into the final area of the field (35 times).
Odegaard’s brilliance is not just in his individual skills, but also in the way he shapes the team’s play. When he’s on the pitch, the ball always seems to be heading to the right wing – an area that Odegaard and Saka are more likely to be in. In games with the midfielder, 51% of Arsenal’s attacks have come from the right, compared to just 24% from the left.
Arsenal still face some challenges, though. The absence of Ben White, the right-back who has often supported Odegaard and Saka, is one example. However, Jurrien Timber has also adapted quickly and has shown impressive form. The Dutch defender will be crucial in the coming period, as he needs to get the ball to Odegaard and Saka to trigger dangerous attacks.
The good news is that even without some key pieces missing, the Odegaard and Saka duo have shown their ability to maintain stability and understanding. Arsenal's title hopes will depend heavily on the duo's ability to maintain their excellence. If they continue to shine in the coming weeks, the Gunners can absolutely dream of a glorious season.
