Martin Odegaard is Arsenal’s beating heart who can inspire tilt at title

While Martin Odegaard is fit, Arsenal will feel they are still part of this season’s Premier League title race.
It may have been Bukayo Saka and substitutes Thomas Partey and Ethan Nwaneri who netted the goals against Nottingham Forest that secured a first League win in five games for the Gunners. But it was Odegaard who was the beating heart of Mikel Arteta’s team and the midfielder has now registered two assists in two games since returning from injury.
Arsenal are still playing catch-up on Liverpool and Manchester City, but, in Odegaard, Arteta knows he has a player who can help inspire the type of winning run his team needs.
“We talk about fluidity, chemistry, timing and understanding, he is one of the best,” said Arteta. “To manage the tempo of the game, to know when to accelerate it, to slow it down. He’s been missed.
“It’s very difficult to do [what he did] after five or six weeks out. But it doesn’t surprise me because he does it every day, how he looks after himself, how much he wants it, the energy he puts in. When he’s in the team, you can sense something is different. It’s difficult to put your finger on it, but it’s different.”
This could easily have been a nervy day against a Forest team who have caused a few surprises this season, but it never felt like it would be with Odegaard on the team-sheet.
Even with Declan Rice on the substitutes’ bench, there was an assurance about Arsenal with Odegaard that just has not been there while he was out injured. Quite simply, Odegaard pulls the strings in Arteta’s team and gives those around him confidence. The run he made to open up space for Partey to shoot and score was almost as good as an assist.
Odegaard was not on the pitch by the time 17-year-old Nwaneri became Arsenal’s second-youngest league goalscorer behind Cesc Fàbregas, but the match was already won by then.
Saka clearly likes having Odegaard around. He swapped passes with the Norwegian before scoring a brilliant opening goal with his left foot.
It was Odegaard who turned sublimely past Nicolás Domínguez to start a move that finished with Saka forcing Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels into a good save. Odegaard also had a shot of his own blocked and you could only feel sorry for Forest left-back Àlex Moreno as he tried to deal with the pair.
Partey’s goal, which came just seven minutes after he had been sent on at half-time in place of Jorginho, was a lovely hit from 20 yards that was set up by Saka. But look carefully at the replays and you’ll see Odegaard make a run past Partey just before Saka finds him in space to score. It might have initially gone unnoticed to the untrained eye, but Arteta will have spotted it first time.
Asked about the way in which Odegaard can create space for himself and others, Arteta said: “It is also how often he does it. He does it in different circumstances as well. Some players, they never have time. And some players, they have that ability to manage the time to have a second or two. Martin is that because he is always in the right moment, in the right spot.”
Another of Arteta’s substitutions paid off late on, as exciting teenager Nwaneri swapped passes with Raheem Sterling and scored his first League goal.
It was Odegaard who Nwaneri replaced as Arteta had the luxury of resting players ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League trip to Sporting in Portugal on Tuesday night.
It might have been a relatively easy finish for the youngster, but the fact that it was his fourth goal in all competitions this season demonstrates his talent and potential.
On Nwaneri’s development, Arteta said: “You have to do it brick by brick. Today he put another brick. Now we have to put the cement and make sure it doesn’t get dry, so he put on another one and that one is going to stick. Then we put one more layer, one more layer. If you put five in a row? Believe me, it won’t work.
“He’s giving us all the reasons [to play] and today is another reason to put him there. And that’s why I played him [as a substitute] and not somebody else. But, as I say, step by step.”
Forest barely managed to lay a glove on Arsenal, such was the dominance of the hosts and it is now two successive defeats for Nuno Espírito Santo’s team either side of the international break.
They were not helped by the absences of midfielders Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson, but Nuno was unhappy with his team’s defending.
“First of all I think it was not a good performance,” said Nuno. “We came short in all aspects of the game. Defensively, we have to recognise some things. We have conceded six goals in two games. We should be worried.”
The perfect day in N5 ⭐️Watch the highlights from our emphatic 3-0 victory against Nottingham Forest 📺 pic.twitter.com/cLFlWRTgTl
Achievement unlocked: 2,000 top-flight wins ✅
Arsenal’s 3-0 win against Forest marked a significant club achievement: Their 2000th top-flight victory, becoming the second time to reach this milestone after Liverpool.
Full-time at the Emirates Stadium, where Arsenal have produced a comprehensive, dominant performance. The exact sort of performance that was needed after their recent struggles. Saka was brilliant again, unlocked by Odegaard. The home fans also enjoyed another glimpse of Nwaneri’s huge talent.
For Forest, an oddly flat and drab afternoon. Nuno’s side had no spark, perhaps because of the absence of Gibbs-White, and created very little of note. They finished the game with zero shots on target. 
FT: THREE POINTS FOR TEN-MAN ALBION! 😁[1-2] 📲 #BOUBHA // #BHAFC 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/hFZdF0Bs7z
Despite going down to ten men and some late drama, Brighton continue their strong start to the season with a 2-1 away victory at Bournemouth.
The points are shared in dramatic fashion at Villa Park 🤝#AVLCRY pic.twitter.com/Zva7gm94sV
Aston Villa recover from twice going behind against Crystal Palace to rescue a home 2-2 draw.
Back-to-back wins for @Wolves, who put four past Fulham at Craven Cottage 😮#FULWOL pic.twitter.com/zDbaWiAHmO
Wolves have clinched their second straight league win, with an empathetic 4-1 drubbing of Fulham in west London.
A return to winning ways for @Arsenal! 🤩#ARSNFO pic.twitter.com/4z8KWIfZox
Arsenal secure their first Premier League win in five matches, with a dominant 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest.
A point for @BrentfordFC despite being down to 10 men for over half of the match! 🤝#EVEBRE pic.twitter.com/GkgT4GWTWL
And that seals it. Goncalo Guedes caps a Wolves counter-attack with his side’s fourth goal and complete an impressive win for Gary O’Neil’s side.
Wolves have unerringly dispatched of Fulham in this encounter in these final few minutes, as Goncalo Guedes scores the away side’s fourth of the afternoon.
Arsenal have wrapped this up now, with teenage star Ethan Nwaneri making it 3-0. Nwaneri has been excellent since coming off the bench and he’s just produced a tidy finish from Raheem Sterling’s low cross. The 17-year-old’s first Premier League goal and his name echoing around the Emirates Stadium. 
Bournemouth have pulled a late goal back against Brighton to halve their deficit, as David Brooks prods home a goal for the home side with three minutes remaining.
Wolves look set to earn their first away win of the season, as Matheus Cunha’s magnificent strike bends into the top corner, greeted by delightful screams and squeals from the travelling supporters.
Arsenal have their third of the day, and it’s their precocious 17-year old talent Ethan Nwaneri who has come off the bench to score his first Premier League goal for the club.
The youngster’s shot beats Sels at the near post to put the seal of a comprehensive home win for Arsenal.
More problems for Fulham as centre-back Joachim Andersen is forced off with a calf injury No more substitutes so the home side now down to ten.
Villa keeper Emi Martinez has produced a tremendous save to tip a deflected shot onto the post and prevent Palace taking the lead for a third time today.
The home crowd are roaring, as Villa get their second equaliser of the afternoon, with Ross Barkley’s header from a Villa corner.
No wonder the crowd has been shouting ‘shooot’ whenever Harry Wilson gets on the ball. The Fulham sub almost extended his recent scoring streak with a shot from outside the box that clipped the bar.
A triple substitution confirms Marco Silva’s growing frustration at his side’s efforts.
There is a growing desperation around Goodison Park. The crowd has been singing for Beto to come on and Dyche has obliged. Not sure Everton’s performance warrants such a sense of panic in the atmosphere. With a bit of patience it felt like they would make the breakthrough. Instead, everything is becoming frenzied and Brentford are looking more dangerous despite 10-men. Nothing is ever straightforward in this venue… 
Bukayo Saka gets assists number 8️⃣ in the Premier League this season 🪄He’s also top of the assists table 🤩 pic.twitter.com/TyK65HWgp3
No developments of note at Arsenal in the past 10 minutes or so since Partey’s goal. Odegaard is still controlling proceedings, and Forest are still offering nothing in attack. Chris Wood is now on, though, so that could yet change. 
Calvin Bassey has rescued Fulham from going further behind, after the Nigerian defender’s crucial intervention dispossess Matheus Cunha after a terrible backpass from captain Tom Cairney.
No surprise Silva is ringing the changes. Harry Wilson gets a loud cheer as he comes on for Andreas Perreira and Tom Cairney replaces Emile Smith Rowe.
Everton should be ahead. Mykolenko has missed the sitter after being teed up by Ndiaye. Brentford need to make a change or they will concede soon. 
Brighton looked like they were cruising to a comfortable victory against Bournemouth, but they will have to finish this match with ten men as midfielder Carlos Baleba is contentiously dismissed for a second yellow card.
Wolves turn it around with another well worked goal. This time Cunha turns provider, threading a pass through for Joao Gomes who finishes from 12 yards out. Fulham have had plenty of the ball after the restart but have barely threatened.
Arsenal double their lead and, frankly, it has been coming. Thomas Partey, on as a substitute for Jorginho, curls in a lovely strike from the edge of the penalty area. Bukayo Saka’s assist… yet another assist for him. 
Wolves have now taken the lead in west London, as Joao Gomes puts the away side in front.
Will this be Wolves’ day to get their first away league win in 12 games?
Arsenal have their second, and substitute Thomas Partey have got onto the scoresheet with a superb goal, producing a whipped effort that roars across Sels into the net.
And Bournemouth should have pulled a goal back, were it not for Evanilson spurning a great chance from close-range.
Brighton have doubled their lead, and a sumptuous through ball that pierces through the Bournemouth defence puts in Mitoma, who promptly slots the ball past Kepa.
Even a Var check cannot deny this beautifully worked goal.
A couple of still photographs of Norgaard making contact with Pickford’s knee which are circulating at half-time look pretty damning. Not sure Brentford will have much cause to complain, in retrospect. 
HALF-TIME:Arsenal 1-0 Nottingham ForestAston Villa 1-2 Crystal PalaceBournemouth 0-1 BrightonEverton 0-0 brentfordFulham 1-1 Wolves#ARSNFO | #AVLCRY | #BOUBHA#EVEBRE | #FULWOL pic.twitter.com/F2tAhFzDSO
#EVEBRE – 39′ VAR OVERTURN The referee’s call of no foul by Norgaard on Pickford was checked by the VAR. The VAR deemed that the challenge was serious foul play and recommended an on-field review. The referee overturned his original decision and awarded a red card to Norgaard.
Whatever happens from here, there is no doubt about what the talking point will be post-match. Brentford being reduced to ten-men puts more onus on Everton to win now, and we all know they’re set up to strangle the opposition and nick results more than rip teams apart. Frank will spend the interval telling his players they can still overcome the odds. Don’t tell Brentford’s manager but the game probably needed some kind of edge to it as it had started to meander. The VAR has provided some much-needed drama although the arguments will rage as to whether an intervention was justified. 
It looked like it might be a long afternoon for Wolves when Alex Iwobi put Fulham ahead midway through the half. Gary O’Neil can be pleased with his side’s reaction though as they worked their way back on to level terms through Matheus Cunha. Not sure Marco Silva will be too pleased at the way his side allowed their lead to slip.
That was a dominant first-half performance by Arsenal, with Saka and Odegaard central to all their best moments. Arteta’s biggest complaint, perhaps, will be that they have only scored one goal so far.
Forest have been far more meek opponents than most would have expected. They are offering nothing in attack, where Awoniyi has been all alone. I’m sure we will be seeing Chris Wood after the break. 
Incredible! Just a minute after facing a penalty, Palace have now regained the lead against Aston Villa, and it’s Justin Devenny’s neat finish that gives them their second goal.
Aston Villa have missed a penalty, and it’s Dean Henderson who produces a big save to repel Youri Tielemans’ spot kick.
Var is having a huge few minutes in the Premier League. 
Within a few moments, Var has led to Norgaard’s dismissal, a disallowed Bournemouth goal, and a penalty for Aston Villa!
Norgaard just left his studs on Pickford after another Brentford set-piece. Looks naughty on the replay… and VAR is called into action…And referee Chris Kavanagh says it’s a red.
Pickford has not had much to do, but he’s just made a huge save to deny Wissa after Brentford’s striker was sent one-on-one by Damsgaard. It’s been Brentford’s best chance so far. Everton have been the better side with more chances, but – as usual – the home crowd is edgy while awaiting a breakthrough. 
Wolves have responded well after going behind and another excellent goal brings them level. Mario Lemina picked out Matheus Cunha’s run with a long ball and the Brazilian produced a neat touch before slotting past Bernd Leno. 
Aston Villa have equalised against Crystal Palace, as Ollie Watkins rounds keeper Dean Henderson to tap into an empty net, after latching onto a through ball from McGinn. 
Wolves have equalised away at Fulham, and Matheus Cunha has scored a delightful goal, cushioning the ball superbly which takes him one on one with Leno, before his delicate dink sails over the goalkeeper and restores parity in this match.
Forest are struggling to deal with Arsenal at the moment, with Saka causing all sorts of problems for poor Alex Moreno. Gabriel Jesus has almost curled in a second, with the home side pushing for more. Nuno is visibly irritated on the touchline, throwing his arms up in annoyance.
Every Brentford set-piece is preceded by what resembles a military drill as everyone assumes their positions whether from a corner, a wide free-kick or a long throw-in. It’s been the visitors’ main avenue of attack so far, although they have settled after Everton’s rapid start.
Wonderful strike. Alex Iwobi shows Jimenez how it’s done with a superb left-foot shot that flew past Jose Sa from 20 yards. Fulham deservedly ahead.
Fulham finally have their goal, and it is Alex Iwobi who wonderfully guides the ball with his left foot with a shot that bends past Sa into the net.
Raul Jimenez has missed a glorious chance to give Fulham the lead.
The Mexican striker finds himself six yards out from goal against his former side, but the 33 year old can only divert the ball onto the bar from a brilliant low cross.
Arsenal’s early pressure has finally produced the opening goal, and Bukayo Saka gets the home side’s opening goal, with a ferocious left-footed shot that sears past goalkeeper Sels into the top corner.
Joao Gomes produces a surging run through midfield and unleashes a strike from the edge of the box, but Leno dives and gets two palms onto the ball to steer it away from the goal.
The fight is still on for Sean Dyche to prove he should be the man to lead the team into the new stadium. Evertonians have been growing increasingly impatient with the manager despite relative comfort in the table. The club is still in limbo until Dan Friedkin’s takeover is officially ratified. Dyche could do with a few more home wins to ensure there is no unrest when the green light finally comes, which ought to be in the next few months.
Arsenal have gone four league games without a win and Mikel Arteta has reacted by making some drastic changes to his team. The most eye-catching of those is the inclusion of Jorginho at the base of midfield and the decision to start Gabriel Jesus in attack, with Kai Havertz benched for the first time since January. Funnily enough, the last time Havertz did not start a league game was also against Nottingham Forest. 
Arsenal think they have scored an opener, through Jurrien Timber, but it has been ruled out for offside. Mikel Merino was an inch offside in the build-up, which the VAR officials have confirmed after a painfully long wait. It has been a good start by Arteta’s side, though. 
The goals are already flying in this afternoon, as Crystal Palace storm in front at Villa Park, after Ismaila Sarr’s sidefooted finish breaks the deadlock, after a bustling run from the Senegalese winger.
Brighton have taken the lead early on away at Bournemouth, with Joao Pedro tapping in to put the away side 1-0 up.
Brilliant start to proceedings at the Emirates, as Leandro Trossard fails to connect from close range before Callum Hudson-Odoi does the same at the other end shortly afterwards.
All ten teams are out and ready to kick off this weekend’s 3pm fixtures. It’s almost time.
 
Crystal Palace have won both of their encounters against Aston Villa in 2024, having stormed to a 5-0 home triumph at the end of last season, before securing a 2-1 away win in the League Cup last month.
Can manager Oliver Glasner continue his 100% record against over today’s opponents? 
 
Fulham XI: Leno, Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson, Pereira, Lukic, Iwobi, Smith Rowe, Nelson, JimenezSubs: Benda, Wilson, Muniz, Cairney, Traore, Castagne, King, Sessegnon, Diop
Wolves XI: Sa, Semedo, Lemina, Toti, Ait-Nouri, Andre, J. Gomes, Bellegarde, R. Gomes, Cunha, Strand LarsenSubs: Bentley, Doherty, Hwang, Doyle, Forbs, Guedes, Cundle, Pond, Edozie
Everton XI: Pickford, Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Gueye, Doucoure, McNeil, Lindstrom, Ndiaye, Calvert-Lewin.Subs: Virginia, Patterson, Keane, Mangala, Harrison, Beto, O’Brien, Armstrong, BatesBrentford XI: Flekken, Van den Berg, Collins, Pinnock, Lewis-Potter, Jensen, Norgaard, Janelt, Mbeumo, Damsgaard, Wissa.Subs: Valdimarsson, Schade, Thiago, Carvalho, Mee, Yarmoliuk, Konak, Roerslev, Maghoma
Bournemouth XI: Arrizabalaga, Kerkez, Cook, Senesi, Evanilson, Adams, Smith, Tavernier, Kluivert, Semenyo, Zabarnyi.Subs: Travers, Huijsen, Brooks, Ouattara, Hill, Unal, Billing, Aarons, Kinsey.
Brighton XI: Verbruggen, Igor, Pedro, Rutter, Welbeck, Baleba, Mitoma, Ayari, Van Hecke, Estupinan, Veltman.Subs: Steele, Gruda, Enciso, Adingra, Wieffer, Ferguson, O’Riley, McConville, Samuels.
Aston Villa XI: Martinez, Bogarde, Diego Carlos, Pau Torres, Maatsen, McGinn, Tielemans, Barkley, Bailey, Rogers, Watkins.Subs: Olsen, Cash, Mings, Digne, Nedeljkovic, Broggio, Buendia, Philogene, Duran.
Crystal Palace XI: Henderson, Munoz, Lacroix, Chalobah, Guehi, Mitchell, Hughes, Devenny, Doucoure, Mateta, Sarr.Subs: Turner, Matthews, Ward, Lerma, Schlupp, Clyne, Richards, Kporha, Agbinone.
In his 250th game as Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta has made five changes to his starting XI. Defender Riccardo Calafiori returns from injury to feature at left-back, while Gabriel Jesus is preferred up front to Kai Havertz, who is on the bench. 
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest’s starting XI does not contain in-form striker Chris Wood or Morgan Gibbs-White, with the latter not making it onto the bench. James Ward-Prowse and Taiwo Awoniyi both come into the team for today’s match.
Arsenal XI:  Raya, Timber, Saliba, Magalhaes, Calafiori, Jorginho, Merino, Odegaard, Saka, Trossard, JesusSubs: Neto, Partey, Martinelli, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Havertz, Sterling, Rice, Nwaneri.
Forest XI: Sels, Aina, Murillo, Milenkovic, Moreno, Ward-Prowse, Dominguez, Yates, Hudson-Odoi, Elanga, Awonyi.Subs: Miguel, Morato, Williams, Wood, Toffolo, Moreira, Silva, Sosa, Boly.
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Your Bees at Goodison Park 🐝 pic.twitter.com/Z7OtCB9XXo
Today’s Toffees to face @BrentfordFC! 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/juiKvztu0b
3⃣ Three changes from #WOLSOU ➡️ R. Gomes, Andre and Bellegarde into the XIHow we line-up to face @FulhamFC. 🐺📋 pic.twitter.com/bvfE9waFtg
Marco Silva’s Fulham. ⚪️#FULWOL pic.twitter.com/BL6gpodd8p
TEAM NEWS! 🚨 Here’s our starting XI to face @AFCBournemouth in the #PL. 👀📝 pic.twitter.com/0c0dGIC0Zj
One change. We move 👊 pic.twitter.com/Rd359YZo6a
In the Palace corner 💪#CPFC // #AVLCRY
Our starting XI to face Crystal Palace this afternoon 👊#AVLCRY || #UpTheVilla pic.twitter.com/RkOHLR2hma
Your Forest XI to face Arsenal. 👊 pic.twitter.com/4vEqPJHKsP
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️🔙 Calafiori returns🤝 Jorginho partners Merino⚡️ Jesus up topLet’s bring the energy, Gunners 👊
Good afternoon and welcome to the Telegraph’s live clockwatch of the five Premier League matches kicking off at 3pm this afternoon.Arsenal welcome Nottingham Forest to the Emirates Stadium this afternoon, knowing anything less than a victory will further dent their ever-fading title hopes. The home side enter this fixture nine points behind league leaders Liverpool, and without a win in their last four Premier League outings. Indeed, Nottingham Forest will present a stern test of these title credentials, as they arrive in north London level on points with their opponents, and unbeaten in their opening five away league matches.Interestingly, Forest have taken the lead in ten of their 11 league games this season, which no other side has managed to do in the competition, and have only been behind in their fixtures for a combined total of 102 minutes and 34 seconds, the lowest of all 20 teams in the division. These favourable stats suggest Forest will fancy their chances of gaining their first ever Premier League away win at Arsenal this afternoon, having not won in any of their last thirteen visits to the red half of north London, since a 3-1 Forest top-flight win at Highbury in March 1989.Aston Villa manager Unai Emery leads his team into today’s fixture against Crystal Palace, on the back of four consecutive defeats in all competitions for the first time in his managerial career. Nevertheless, the home side still enter this match as favourites against an underperforming Palace side, who sit in 18th with just seven points from their first 11 league games, their third-lowest Premier League points tally at this stage of a season.Despite their recent terrible form, Palace manager Oliver Glasner may take comfort by the fact he has already beaten Villa twice this calendar year, courtesy of an emphatic 5-0 home triumph at the end of last season, followed by a 2-1 away victory at Villa Park in the League Cup last month. And with Villa having kept only one clean sheet from their previous 16 league matches, Glasner may perhaps find enough motivation this afternoon to galvanise the away side into sealing their second away win at Villa Park in two months.Down on the south coast, a mouth-watering clash awaits between two high-flying sides as Bournemouth take on Brighton at the Vitality Stadium. Andoni Iraola’s men, in 12th are six places and nine points higher than they were at this stage last season, and a home win this afternoon would be their fourth straight top-flight home victory, which would establish a new club record.
Standing in their way are Brighton, fresh from toppling Manchester City in their most recent Premier League outing, after managing a 2-1 home win against the reigning champions. The away side are embarking on their best ever start to a top-flight season, with 19 points from 11 matches, but with only four wins from the previous 22 league matches, manager Fabian Hurzeler will be keen to address this problematic string of results with a valuable victory at Bournemouth.Team news to follow.
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