Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta gave a gleeful response when asked whether Martin Odegaard was better than Erling Haaland after the midfielder picked up Norway’s best player award.
The Gunners’ draw with Southampton on Sunday means the gap at the top has been cut to two points thanks to City ’s win over Brighton on Saturday. Haaland bagged a brace in the 3-1 victory to take his tally for the season up to 22 goals, 17 of which have come in the Premier League.
He is on course for the Golden Boot and the Player of the Year award after his phenomenal start. Both he and Odegaard will be resting during the World Cup after Norway failed to qualify for the finals.
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The latter has enjoyed a stellar start to the season with Arsenal. The playmaker has been pivotal in the club’s table-topping form having bagged three goals and two assists along the way.
A “flabbergasted” Odegaard was handed the Kniksens Hederspris award for 2022, an accolade that recognises those who have made a significant contribution to Norwegian football. Haaland won the gong himself two years ago.
Former City assistant Arteta said the 23-year-old should take the recognition as “a big compliment”. When asked if that makes him a better player than Haaland in a press conference prior to Southampton in the Europa League, Arteta let out a big laugh and smiled, adding: “We are really happy to have Martin.”
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