01 March 2023 , 23:50
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Martin Odegaard produced a moment of quality that left former Arsenal man Alex Iwobi reeling on Wednesday night.
The Norwegian was again a standout performer for the Gunners hit four past Everton to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to five points. Odegaard scored Arsenal's third - to go alongside Bukayo Saka's strike and Gabriel Martinelli's brace.
But it was a slide tackle that turned into a neat touch that was perhaps the most memorable Odegaard moment. He and Iwobi were going for a 50-50 in the middle of the pitch with both men sliding in. When the Arsenal star realised he was going to get there first he pulled out of his slide and simply Cruyff turned past his opponent.
Both players slid it to try and win the ball (@ammrel)
Martin Odegaard was able to get back to his feet and touch the ball round his opponent (@ammrel)Odegaard, who joined the Gunners permanently in the summer of 2021, has been a star performer throughout the season as the club's playmaker. Mikel Arteta made him captain and the former Real Madrid man has continued to relish the responsibility.
Before the weekend win over Leicester he opted to hand over the armband to team-mate Oleksandr Zinchenko on what was the anniversary of Russia's invasion on Ukraine.
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The Norwegian said: "I was really happy to give Zinny the armband for the game. I knew that the Premier League were paying respects to Ukraine at the weekend’s matches, with all captains wearing special armbands, so we discussed it a bit in the dressing room with other players, then I went to the manager to ask him if we should give it to Zinny. He thought it was a good idea.
"Then on the day of the game, I spoke to Alex to see if he was comfortable doing it. It was just a small thing to show him some support because I know how difficult it’s been for him recently, the whole situation."
Odegaard was back with the armband in the win over Everton, which had Arteta hugely impressed. He told the BBC : "I am delighted with the win and the way we played after the first 25 minutes. We had some difficulties at the start. They are difficult to play against. Once we scored the first goal, the game unlocked. We needed a magic moment and Bukayo produced that. After that we grew and deserved to win the game.
"With the way they play, direct, second balls, a small lead isn't enough. We played really well in the second half and could have scored more. I am delighted when I see the team play the way we want to. This league is a different story [no easy games]. We had big proof of that at Goodison. They made it difficult for Liverpool to. I'm really happy with the maturity and quality we showed."