Martin Odegaard played a key role in Arsenal clinching a 97th minute winner against the Hatters, with his cross finding Declan Rice inside the penalty area.
But of course, Luton gave Arsenal a good scare. And one of those who found the back of the net that night was Ross Barkley, with the 30-year-old scoring his first goal for the club during the second-half.
Ross Barkley praises ‘world-class’ Martin Odegaard
Barkley has been superb for Luton. And he was outstanding against the Gunners. In fact, it seems that he did manage to impress the Arsenal skipper during the game.
Barkley Odegaard
As noted by The Times, Barkley got away from Odegaard with the ball four times. And while he was full of praise for the Norwegian, he did note that he felt that he could edge the physical battle.
“Declan [Rice] is physical. Odegaard is less physical but is world-class on the ball. When I had the ball, I knew I could move the ball away from him,” he said.
“Odegaard did say, ‘You have to stop running at me with the ball!’”
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Arsenal captain yet to show his full brilliance
Odegaard has not really had his best stuff so far this season. The captain was absolutely phenomenal in their push for the Premier League title last year. But he has, so far, been unable to really replicate that.
The assist at Kenilworth Road – as well as the goal against Wolves a few days earlier – was a reminder of his quality. But then he missed two brilliant chances against Aston Villa last weekend.
Nevertheless, Arsenal still find themselves just one point off top spot. That win at Luton arguably told the story of the Gunners’ campaign so far.
Mikel Arteta’s side rode their luck and were punished at times, but they still found a way to get the job done.
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