Ødegaard decides the derby: “Absolutely incredible form”

Martin Ødegaard waited nearly three years for another Premier League match-winning goal. On Sunday, the Arsenal captain delivered it in a tense London derby against Chelsea, completing a 2-1 comeback five minutes after halftime.

The goal came after a move created by new signing Christos Tzolis. The ball arrived from the left, and Kai Havertz left it for Ødegaard, who found himself alone with Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. Ødegaard watched the goalkeeper’s movement before driving the ball into the net.

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Absolutely incredible form.

It was his second league goal in Arsenal’s first three matches. He had also scored in the season opener against Coventry, already doubling his total from the previous campaign. His goal against Chelsea took his total in all competitions to three, including a goal against Manchester City in the Community Shield.

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Martin Ødegaard was the match winner and the best player on the pitch.

The Norwegian drew praise from several commentators. Kasper Wikestad called Arsenal’s captain “in absolutely incredible form,” while Viaplay analyst Nils Johan Semb named him player of the match. Gary Neville said Ødegaard and Havertz had been Arsenal’s two best players before both were substituted late in the game.

Chelsea had taken the lead after only 77 seconds, when Morgen Rogers volleyed home from just outside the penalty area. Havertz equalized in the 25th minute with a low shot at the near post. Arsenal also had a Riccardo Calafiori goal ruled out for offside, while both teams created further chances before the match ended with Ødegaard’s goal separating them. The win gave Mikel Arteta victory in his first Premier League meeting with childhood friend Xabi Alonso.

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Ødegaard and Havertz have been Arsenal’s two best players.