Glenn Hoddle has claimed that Martin Odegaard was a ‘thorn in Tottenham’s side’ during Arsenal’s 3-1 win against their bitter rivals on Sunday, as he told Premier League Productions (26/09/21 at 6:40 pm)
The one-time wonderkid has tasted two North London derbies during his short Arsenal career, so far, and tasted victory on both occasions.
Last time out, he ended up getting on the scoresheet, but on this occasion, he wasn’t able to put his name up in lights.
But it could be argued that the £30 million summer signing (Sky Sports) actually produced one of his best performances in Arsenal colours.
He ran the show, along with Emile Smith Rowe, in the middle of the park, in what was a convincing win by the home team.
Tottenham legend Hoddle was impressed by what he saw from Odegaard yesterday and explained how he was hurting Nuno Espirito Santo’s men and causing them ‘problems’ from the get-go.
“We say Odegaard played really well,” said Hoddle. “He picked up some really good positions.
“But he was a thorn in Tottenham’s side today because Hojbjerg couldn’t deal with that.
“I think he should have reshuffled. Ndombele should have gone back square with him and they could have nullified them positions.
“They played with three across and there were holes in behind Hojbjerg, right and left of his shoulder. Odegaard just kept on picking lovely positions – from the first minute, you could see that happening and it was causing Tottenham problems all through the game.”
It wasn’t so long ago that Arsenal were sitting bottom of the Premier League table and there was a dark cloud hanging over the Emirates Stadium.
But, in next to no time, the light is beginning to appear and the weight is starting to lift off Arteta’s shoulders.
And whilst it’s a little easier for him, life just got much, much tougher for his North London counterpart, who won’t be in the job much longer if Tottenham continue in their current ways.
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