Odegaard Has Been Out in the Wilderness, but Now It Finally Looks Like the Prodigal Son has Returned
Odegaard Ominous as Arsenal Make Another Statement
Well, after two seasons of mediocrity, it seems that the Scandi destroyer version of Martin Odegaard is back, a fact which spells trouble for every major side in Europe and England.
The Arsenal captain has come under heavy scrutiny since the start of the 2024/25 campaign - in the last two seasons he has netted a poultry seven goals in all competitions, compared to a whopping 26 in the two campaigns before that.
There is no doubt that his presence in the midfield for Mikel Arteta’s side during that time was still crucial, but his goals certainly dried up, leading many to question whether he still had a place in the ever more dangerous Gunners side.
That vision from Ødegaard is ridiculous. 🪄 pic.twitter.com/JHRs7vBb4s
— No Context Prem (@NoContextEPL) September 10, 2026
Well, the way the Norwegian has started the campaign in 2026/27 has signalled his intentions to reintegrate himself as a central figure to Arteta’s system, and his showing in Arsenal’s 1-0 Champions League victory against Napoli last night indicates that the 27-year-old is entering a new, lethal phase of his career.
Gunning for Glory
Let’s not forget that, excluding penalties, Martin Odegaard holds the record for goals by a midfielder in a single Premier League, scoring 15 in a stellar 2022/23 season. 11 goals followed the following campaign, but with the introduction of the likes of Kai Havertz, Mikel Merino and Declan Rice into the side, the former Real Madrid starlet saw his influence in the side wane.
Various injuries hampered him, including multiple to his ankle, but when he played, it just seemed as if he suddenly lacked confidence, and had lost the sharpness that had made him so dangerous.
This year feels different - in Arsenal's first five competitive games of the season, the captain has bagged himself four goals, including a winner over London rivals Chelsea at the weekend, making it his best start to a season in Arsenal colours, and his finish against Napoli last night takes the cake.
A stinging first time effort from outside the box that rattled into the net off the inside of the post, the Norwegian has immediately inserted himself into the UCL goal of the season discussion, and more vitally for Arteta, looks to be asserting his old dominance on the opposition.
Great play 😮💨
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 9, 2026
Martin Ødegaard rounds off a wonderful passing move for Arsenal 🔥
📺 Watch live on TNT Sports & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/FrH6gW8Ak4
It’s not just the goalscoring that indicates a change of fortune may be in the air - Odegaard’s flair, vision and superb control were on full display against Napoli. The attacking midfielder boasted the most touches (121), completed the most dribbles (3), and created the most chances (6), of anyone on the pitch. In truth he was unlucky that he was limited to just the one contribution.
His return to form looks ominous for both Champions League and Premier League opposition - a player who can lock-pick even the tightest of defences, a confident Odegaard is a handful to say the least. On a good day, he can be classed as unplayable.
Moreover, he now has the benefit of significant experience. With 239 appearances under Arteta to his name, he knows exactly what is required of him, and how to exploit nuances and gaps in the system. With this added nous and know-how, there is room for him to become more dangerous than ever before.
Naturally, it is still early in the season, and his electric start could simply be an anomaly before eventually plummeting back to the level we have seen for the past two years.
However, if not, Arsenal will be even more comfortable favourites to defend their Premier League title, and if Odegaard’s European showing last night illustrates anything, it’s that they are ready to once again make a serious push for their first ever UCL title.
Joe Ryan 
