Mikel Arteta and Jamie Carragher agree on Arsenal star’s new role as Eberechi Eze point made

Mikel Arteta made a tactical tweak to get the best out of Martin Odegaard against Olympiacos and it could spell trouble for Arsenal’s Europa League and Premier League rivals

Mikel Arteta’s tactical adjustment with Martin Odegaard paid off in Arsenal’s Champions League victory over Olympiacos, earning the skipper the man of the match accolade. The Norwegian international was back in the starting line-up for the Gunners after nearly three weeks.

Despite a year marred by injuries and inconsistent form, it seems Arteta may have found the key to unlocking Odegaard’s potential against deep blocks. By giving him a free-roaming role, the 26-year-old was able to get on the ball more often and closer to goal.

Reflecting on his first-half performance, Arteta said: “He’s got all the licence in the world to go forward, Martin, and to play with that freedom, and to play with that level of threat, especially, not only with the passes, but the way he was taking the ball, carrying the ball, making runs and arriving in really dangerous areas.

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“I think he put three people through today to score a goal. He should have scored a goal as well. So, great to have him back. He played some very good minutes in Newcastle to help us to win the game, and I think today he was phenomenal.”

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown also praised Odegaard, noting a significant change that allowed him to dictate the game. “He didn’t do the pressing he normally does, which gave him more time. I think it’s a better set-up. He was quite magnificent, really making Arsenal tick,” he said on TNT Sport.

Arteta highlighted his brilliant cameo and assist in the closing stages of the victory over Newcastle United, which saw him operating in a deeper position that Jamie Carragher reckoned brought out his very best.

“In terms of the set-up, what was really interesting was that Odegaard found himself deeper after [Martin] Zubimendi came off,” he said on Sky Sports Monday Night Football. “He went into that deeper role, he was fantastic and changed the game. In the build-up to the first goal, Declan Rice is clever but he [Odegaard] is pulling the strings.”

During his later analysis of Arsenal’s two goals, he added: “I want to go back to this man, Martin Odegaard, who I think changed the game when he came on. He knows a pass from Declan Rice is coming so he is already scanning where he can hurt Newcastle.

“He’s seen that space between the two Newcastle defenders and that is absolutely where his pass goes, can he thread the eye of the needle? Yes [he can]. Myles Lewis-Skelly has made that run.”

In matches where Arsenal are chasing the game or expected to control proceedings, Odegaard taking on such a position appears almost certain given his recent performances.

This tactical shift could pave the way for Eberechi Eze to establish himself as a regular starter in central positions.

The summer acquisition from Crystal Palace has predominantly featured on the left flank, but this tactical tweak could see him utilised far more regularly in the No. 10 position.

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