Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard delivered an impressive performance during the 2-0 Premier League defeat to Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
The Gunners had the chance to return to the top of the table with their 11th league win of the calendar year, but they failed to capitalise on their chances.
Villa hit the woodwork twice at the Emirates. They eventually scored the opening goal in the 84th minute through Leon Bailey who had an open net at his disposal.
Ollie Watkins put the game to bed three minutes later. He scored a wonderful counter-attacking goal with a lovely dinked shot over goalkeeper David Raya.
It was a day to forget for the Gunners, but Odegaard still had a good outing until his forced substitution.
The €35 million signing has been in sublime form throughout the year. Against Villa, he had 66 touches, completing three take-ons and winning five of his duels.
He also made three ball recoveries, winning 100 percent of his tackles. The 25-year-old created two chances, but he was unable to turn the game in Arsenal’s favour.
Odegaard was surprisingly substituted in the 79th minute when the scores were level, but manager Mikel Arteta later revealed that he was struggling with a leg problem.
Arsenal are now two points behind Manchester City in the league with six games to play. They will need the Cityzens to drop points to have any chance of winning the title.
They first have to concentrate on the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final at Bayern Munich. After a 2-2 draw at home, they face a huge challenge on Wednesday.
Odegaard was instrumental in the first leg with a man of the match performance and the fans will be hoping that he will be deemed fit for the midweek game in Munich.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com, Sofascore.com & Fotmob.com.
The post 66 touches, 100% tackles & three dribbles won: €35m star was Arsenal’s best player vs Aston Villa first appeared on GoonerTalk.
