BBC pundit claims Arsenal star is really growing on him but Gunners form is ‘painful’ to watch

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Garth Crooks has praised Martin Odegaard and admitted that the Arsenal playmaker is growing on him with each game that he plays.

The Gunners claimed yet another win on Saturday afternoon as they beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0 at Molineux.

Odegaard pounced to score twice in the second half to give Arsenal a huge three points.

That takes Arsenal five points clear at the top of the Premier League table after Manchester City’s defeat to Brentford and the Gunners will now sit top at Christmas.

Garth Crooks has praised Martin Odegaard

The first-half display on Saturday was a little frustrating with Arsenal not really hitting the heights expected of them.

The second half was much better and Odegaard was in the right place at the right time to secure the win.

Fabio Vieira got in behind the Wolves defence and picked out Odegaard to score from just a couple of yards out.

Gabriel Martinelli then had a shot blocked and Odegaard took his time, didn’t panic and fired in the second past Jose Sa.

Odegaard stepped up when Arsenal needed him, as you would expect a captain to do.

That brace against Wolves takes Odegaard onto six goals and two assists in 13 Premier League games this season and it’s now three goals in his last three Premier League games.

The Norwegian playmaker has now earned a slice of somewhat begrudging praise from pundit Garth Crooks.

Crooks has told BBC Sport that he is growing more and more impressed with Odegaard with each passing game.

Crooks suggested that Odegaard brings more class than he is used to seeing from Arsenal.

The pundit clearly has his Tottenham allegiance at heart from his playing days, admitting that Arsenal playing so well is ‘excruciatingly painful’ but he loves to watch Odegaard in action.

“The more I see this player the more I like him,” said Crooks. “Cool under pressure, never over-celebrates and, dare I say it, brings a touch of elegance to an Arsenal side that is showing more class than I’m used to seeing from the Gunners.”

“It would seem goals, clean sheets and a touch of sophistication in midfield from Martin Odegaard are combining to keep Arsenal top of the table. I must say I’m finding all this success on this side of north London excruciatingly painful but that will only add to the joy of Arsenal fans. My only hope is that not all teams top of the table at Christmas go on to win the title,” he added.