It is not new to see coaches lament injuries. And this can often help them forget about other problems. However, the return of Martin Odegaard from injury coincides with a significant improvement in Arsenal's form. The most recent proof was the Gunners' 5-1 victory over Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League.
"Martin Odegaard is an unbelievable player and the day he came back I had a big smile on my face. You can see the chemistry between us, how much I enjoy playing with him. So I am very happy to have him back and I hope he will maintain his form throughout the season" - Bukayo Saka said of the Norwegian midfielder.
Odegaard's tendency is to move to the right wing to combine with Saka. This is a familiar model for the "Gunners" but many teams have struggled to resist. Nottingham Forest found that out at the cost of their efforts last weekend when they were beaten miserably at the Emirates.
In the win over Sporting, Odegaard had more touches (82) than any other Arsenal player besides Timber (84). And remember, the Norwegian midfielder left the pitch 12 minutes early to prepare for the game against West Ham this weekend.
The win over Sporting was the first time Arsenal have scored five away goals in the Champions League since October 2008. They have previously entered the game with questions about their away form in the Champions League. Mikel Arteta's side have not scored away in the competition since December last year.
When asked whether this was his best away performance in Europe during his five-year tenure, Arteta was clear.
"Certainly so, considering that Sporting Lisbon have not lost at home in the past 18 months. They are in very good form, playing better than any opponent at home. Therefore, I am very satisfied when Arsenal plays at a high level, determined and compatible like today" - Arteta said.
Arteta surprised many when he described the 0-1 defeat to Inter Milan as the best big game they have played in Europe in many years. However, that belief was fully proven after the win over Sporting.
"It was a very different result. But with the performance and the identity of the team that I saw against Inter, I am very satisfied. I know that if we follow that path, good things will come in Europe," said the Spaniard.
Arteta also believes that the return of some players from injury has increased the competitiveness of the training process, thereby improving performance.
With the return of playmaker Odegaard, Arsenal sent a strong message to their Premier League opponents last weekend. And against Sporting, they emphasized that once again in the European playground.
