Martin Ødegaard's goal for Arsenal against Chelsea demonstrated his new attacking thrust. Photograph: Tony O Brien/Reuters. The midfielder has made 3.2 high-intensity runs per 90 minutes into the opposition's box while Arsenal have possession this season. This is a significant increase from last season, where he averaged 1.4 high-intensity runs per 90 minutes.
Ødegaard's ability to make runs into the box and create scoring opportunities for his teammates has been a key factor in Arsenal's success this season. He has become more of a No 8, a midfielder who drops deep to get on the ball in front of the opposition's midfield and moves it around the pitch. This has allowed him to create more scoring opportunities for his teammates.
The Norwegian midfielder has benefited from this summer's World Cup, where he played a key role in his team's run to the quarter-finals. He has also been averaging 5.6 high-intensity runs ahead of the ball per 90 this season, up from 3.9 last term. This suggests that he is now a more dynamic and energetic player, who is able to make a greater impact on the game.
Eberechi Eze is breathing down his neck after standing in for him for large swathes of last term. However, Arteta clearly prefers Ødegaard in the middle, perhaps for his defensive work, positioning and ability to coach Arsenal's press on the pitch.