Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal side have struggled through the past few weeks since their return from the international break. Three defeats on the bounce to sides lower than them in the league has seen them go from top four frontrunners to part of the chasing pack.
However, they remedied that in the best way possible, a huge London derby victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Both sides traded goals in a frantic opening half, with Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe giving the Gunners the lead twice, only to be pegged back by Timo Werner and Cesar Azpilicueta.
The second half saw no such response from the Blues as Nketiah pounced once again before Bukayo Saka calmly slotted away a late penalty. It led to Arteta claiming he was proud of his players: “I’m really proud of them tonight, but I’m more proud of how they’ve reacted to every defeat over the past few weeks. Not only the players but as a staff and a club, and that’s what reinforces me and gives me a reminder of how lucky I am to be here.”
READ MORE: Every word Mikel Arteta said on Saka's penalty, Nketiah's display and top four hopes
While a number of players stepped up with their performance on the night, one had to step up with his leadership. That was Martin Odegaard, who took the captain’s armband as Alexandre Lacazette was on the bench.
The Norwegian is already captain of his national side at just 23-years-old and has been suggested as a long-term option to the vacant role of club captain. Discussing his potential to be a captain back in February, Arteta said: “He certainly has all the qualities to do that, absolutely. Talking to his national team coach and how highly they speak of him. He walks through the corridor and everybody loves him.”
Coupling that added responsibility with the playmaker’s performances since he joined the side permanently and it could be a recipe for success. The passion for the club is also a big driver for leaders, which was seen in abundance.
In one such case, when Smith Rowe passed the second goal into the bottom right corner of the net, Odegaard was seen beating the ground in celebration before tensing and shouting. It goes to show just how passionate he is about the cause.
With Manchester United and West Ham next, the Gunners will be hoping for a similar response as they look to secure that top four finish.
