Paul Scholes claims three players are making Arsenal look way better this season
Arsenal have got off to a flying start this season.
The defending champions have won all three of their opening Premier League games and dismantled Manchester City for the Community Shield.
The football has looked more fluid, more expansive, and more dangerous than it did throughout most of last season.
Paul Scholes thinks it’s down to three players — and, for once, he’s spot on.
Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football, the former Manchester United midfielder laid out a straightforward explanation.
“They’ve started a lot better and a lot more entertaining than they have been, I think, but I think Saka makes a big difference here as well,” he said.
“Saka didn’t play for an awful lot towards the end of last season. I don’t think Havertz did either, and Odegaard is the one — if Odegaard is in form, doing what he does, he doesn’t really get in those areas enough, but if he does get in those areas, he’s got quality to win your games of football.”
Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard have started all three of Arsenal’s opening Premier League games. They only started a Premier League game together once last season.
Who knew that having your best attacking players fit and on the pitch at the same time would make you play better football?
Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz all have points to prove
It all kind of makes last season’s title win look even more impressive. Mikel Arteta was able to win the league despite his three best attackers having injury disrupted campaigns.
And this season, all three have points to prove. Odegaard looks transformed since the World Cup where the Norway coach gave him full trust and confidence after two injury-ravaged seasons.
The Arsenal captain is essentially in his contract year now. As is Kai Havertz. Both are 27 and have contracts expiring in 2028. They’re playing for the biggest contract of their careers now, which will only give them added motivation to perform.
Saka, too, has been excellent from the off. He might not have scored against Chelsea but he was still a constant thorn in Chelsea’s side, as he was against Aston Villa and Coventry.
If these three stay fit, Arsenal’s attack could function at a level that makes all the noise around the lack of superstar quality and X-factor seem largely irrelevant.
