Martin Odegaard has claimed that he is getting on ‘really well’ with his ‘talented’ Arsenal teammate, Emile Smith Rowe off the pitch, as he told Stadium Astro.
Both players are tasked with being the creative minds for this young Arsenal side that has taken some serious hits already this season – and not pleasant ones.
But on Saturday, Mikel Arteta opted to put his foot on the accelerator and start the duo together during their 1-0 win against Burnley.
It was Odegaard’s wicked free-kick that sealed the points for his side, but it’s back-to-back wins and clean sheets for Arteta now.
Odegaard spent the last six months of last season at the Emirates and this summer he signed on a permanent basis.
And the Norway international spoke about the ‘connection’ he has with Smith Rowe, both on and off the field of play.
“I think we already have a good connection on the pitch,” said Odegaard. “As you said, there are a lot of you talented players. We have Emile, Bukayo and also a lot of other young players.
“We are getting along really well, on and off the pitch, because everyone is young, with time, it will get better and better.
“And hopefully, we will get to know each other more and understand where each player wants the ball. I feel that will improve.
“But I already feel that we have a great connection. Hopefully, it will just get better and better.”
Before the international break, Arsenal were sitting bottom of the Premier League table.
And now they are slowly climbing their way up, but it’s clearly not enough.
The key thing is that, during these past few weeks, Arteta has been able to put out his strongest XI.
Players such as Ben White, Thomas Partey, Gabriel have made a huge difference and it remains to be seen how they will fare as the weeks progress.
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