Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has admitted being ‘surprised’ after seeing Martin Odegaard take a penalty against Crystal Palace.
Martin Odegaard stepping up to score a penalty for Arsenal against Crystal Palace left boss Mikel Arteta surprised.
The Gunners made the short trip to Selhurst Park on Monday night in search of three points.
This was a real battle but Arsenal just about got the job done thanks to Martin Odegaard’s penalty.
Eddie Nketiah was brought down by Sam Johnstone in the second half, giving Odegaard the chance to score.
The Norwegian slotted past Johnstone and his penalty was enough to give Arsenal the 1-0 victory.
Arsenal had to dig in as Takehiro Tomiyasu was rather harshly sent off for two bookable offences.
Arteta’s men didn’t back down though and saw out the game to secure the win in South London.
Martin Odegaard leaves Mikel Arteta surprised
Many would have expected to see Bukayo Saka step up from the penalty spot when Nketiah went down.
Saka was Arsenal’s penalty taker last season and there had been no indication that he was off spot kick duties.
However, after Saka had a spot kick save at West Ham last season and it looks like Arsenal have decided to make a change.
Odegaard stepped up and coolly slotted his spot kick away, so maybe we will see him keep that role moving forward.
It now seems that even Arsenal boss Arteta was surprised by the decision.
Speaking to Arsenal’s official website after the game, Arteta admitted that he was just as stunned as anyone else to see Odegaard step up father than Saka.
Arteta was stunned at first but is happy with whatever Arsenal’s leadership group decide.
“I have no clue, it’s about leadership of players, and if they felt it was the right thing to do, for me I’m fine,” said Arteta. “They have to make those decisions on the pitch. I was surprised like everybody else, but he scored the goal which is the important thing and we won the game,” he added.
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