How Martin Odegaard has overcome trust issues to spearhead Arsenal's title charge

Martin Odegaard of Arsenal celebrates(Image: 2026 The Arsenal Football Club Plc)

We're less than a month into the season and Martin Odegaard has already destroyed his stats from last season.

And in his current form, it won't be long before the Arsenal skipper surpasses the past two seasons combined.

Odegaard is a man rejuvenated, the captain of the country's best team and the man who is driving their impressive start to the new season. The Norwegian playmaker already has four goals to his name - one against Manchester City in the Community Shield, two in the Premier League including Sunday's winner against Chelsea, and the decisive strike in Wednesday night's victory over Napoli in Naples in the Champions League.

He is back to his very best after overcoming trust issues and "playing safe". His all-round game has been a joy to watch so far this term and, in truth, he has been playing with a confidence and a freedom since the World Cup, having shone during Norway's run to the quarter-finals.

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That came after a season which was magnificent for Arsenal but where Odegaard struggled. He scored just once in an injury-disrupted campaign, having only managed six in 2024-25. Then too he was dogged by injury, having damaged his ankle in September 2024 while on international duty.

Rewind to then. Odegaard was absolutely irreplaceable at the Emirates. That injury was a major blow to Mikel Arteta and his side's title hopes. And while Odegaard pushed to eventually return, he was some way from his best when he did.

Last season was difficult and Odegaard didn't look entirely happy on the pitch. There always seemed to be an uncertainty when it came to his own body and whether he would break down again. A knee injury troubled him and during the run-in he wasn't at his best.

But the World Cup looks to have been a massive turning point. He has his confidence and belief back and in turn is looking like one of the Premier League's undoubted best players again. Gary Neville identified it after Arsenal's win over Chelsea, saying: “He did get into a cycle of being too safe. If anything, he got into a languid, playing it sideways, playing the easy pass.

“He’s capable of being sharper and making those late runs into the box more than he does. That’s what he did against Chelsea.

“Can he get the 10 or 12 goals, the ten or 12 assists in a season which means he would be one of the best in the league? When Arsenal need goals, he needs to look for danger. He knows what to do, he’s got the capability.”

And Odegaard is showing it again, no doubt about it. He is the player driving Arsenal forward. In Naples, he ran the game.. He played 107 passes which was more than anyone else and completed 92 which was second only to Declan Rice. Not perfect but you don't want him to be in all honesty, you want him taking risks because he can open up opposing defences with his craft and quality.

Odegaard ran the show against Napoli(Image: 2026 Getty Images)

He covered an incredible 11.6km (joint top with Piero Hincapie) and did not stop working, running and looking for goal. It was no surprise he scored the winner and got the breakthrough.

It's also worth remembering that this was strong opposition. Napoli were champions of Italy just 14 months ago. Arsenal had 4.05 xG and had just 0.22 xG against. That is incredibly dominant. And at it's heart was Odegaard, making things happen, the focal point of Arsenal's team again.

Last season, Arsenal were branded Set Piece FC. They have yet to score one set piece goal this season in five games.

That cannot be a coincidence. It is because Odegaard is back.

He was one of the best midfielders playmakers in the Premier League. He can be among the best in Europe.

They are so much better when he is fit and firing. They just play a different way, easier on the eye, more combinations, keeping the ball better. Opponents have to be more wary.

The gang of three - Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka - have a brilliant connection which Arsenal have missed so much. The win over Chelsea was the first time since December 2024 that Odegaard, Havertz and Saka had started three straight league games together.

They are connected again, Odegaard is at the heart of it and Arsenal look such a better team for it.

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