Kevin Phillips told Sky Sports Football (25/08/21 at 10:10 pm) that Martin Odegaard’s performance for Arsenal ‘wasn’t vintage’ after he helped his side beat West Brom 6-0 in the League Cup on Wednesday night.
This was Odegaard’s second full debut for Arsenal and he marked it by supplying a quite ridiculous assist for Bukayo Saka during the second period.
With Arsenal moving the ball forward in a free-flowing fashion, Odegaard simply flicked the ball around the corner, which put Saka through on goal and he did the honours by scoring his side’s fourth of the night.
It was perhaps the cleverest play of the evening from the 22-year-old and one he will be hoping to continue and take forward.
Whilst former West Brom striker Phillips thought Odegaard was ‘effective’ on the night, he also harshly claimed that ‘it wasn’t vintage’ from the playmaker.
“Don’t underestimate Odegaard’s performance this evening,” said Phillips. “It wasn’t a vintage performance, but it was an effective one.
“He is always there. He is that link to the back players and the forwards.”
Mikel Arteta most of all needed this lift and type of win, regardless if it has come against a Championship side.
It was a ruthless performance from the North London club and it should provide them with the much-needed boost they need heading into their clash with Manchester City at the weekend.
Arsenal could well be facing the scenario of losing their opening three Premier League games, which would be an utter disaster heading into the international break.
Therefore, if Arsenal can eek out a result against the Premier League champions then it will stop the serious heat that could be heading Arteta’s way, regardless of the win at the Hawthorns.
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