‘Run ragged’: Paul Merson claims Christian Eriksen really struggled against one Arsenal player

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Paul Merson has praised Martin Odegaard for his performance against Manchester United even though Arsenal were beaten 3-1.

Arsenal took their five-game winning run to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon with Mikel Arteta seeking six wins from six to start the season.

The Gunners fell behind to a goal from United’s new signing Antony before Bukayo Saka hit back with a leveller for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta went for the win but United caught them on the break, with Marcus Rashford scoring twice on the counter.

Arsenal left with a 3-1 defeat but will feel that they actually played pretty well against United and will be looking to get back to winning ways quickly.

Paul Merson has praised Martin Odegaard

There were some very good performances in the Arsenal side and playmaker Odegaard can certainly be proud of his display.

The Norwegian was a doubt before the game but made himself available to start for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Odegaard appeared to have prompted an opening goal, robbing Christian Eriksen of possession before Bukayo Saka slotted Gabriel Martinelli through to score.

That was ruled out by referee Paul Tierney following a VAR check, leaving Odegaard and Arsenal dumbfounded.

Odegaard did play a key part in a legitimate Arsenal goal though, threading Gabriel Jesus in on goal before Saka slotted home.

The Arsenal captain ended the game with four key passes, providing a creative performance after six key passes in the previous five games combined.

Arsenal will be looking for more of the same from Odegaard moving forward, and he has now been praised by former Gunners ace Paul Merson.

Merson has told Sky Sports that, whilst everybody was praising United playmaker Christian Eriksen, Odegaard actually ran him ragged at Old Trafford.

Merson suggested that Odegaard was ‘running the show’ for Arsenal and was giving Eriksen nightmares in midfield, seemingly feeling that the praise for the Dane was a little much.

“I thought he got run ragged by Odegaard at times,” said Merson. “I thought Odegaard was getting him, turning and squaring him up and running the show, Odegaard,” he added.