Martin Odegaard: Mikel Arteta must unleash Arsenal vs Chelsea showdown, this is why
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Credit: Imago Fri 27 February 2026 20:30, UK Martin Odegaard could hold the key to Arsenal taking an important step towards the Premier League title this season.Many football fans up and down the country have put their money on the Gunners slipping up to Man City in the race for success once again, having seen their lead reduced to just six points.While Pep Guardiola’s side, who have a game in hand, next have Leeds United at Elland Road, Arsenal are up against their London rivals, Chelsea, on Sunday, 1 March.It could be a vital game before the Citizens and Arsenal face off at the Etihad Stadium in mid-April, and Odegaard can still play an important role despite his drop in form.We've seen some INCREDIBLE goals when @Arsenal and @ChelseaFC meet, including this from Didier Drogba ✨Watch many more moments like this with the Premier League Archive! 🎞️— Premier League (@premierleague) February 27, 2026 View Tweet MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Mikel Arteta has a selection headache ahead of Arsenal clashWith one goal and five assists in 20 Premier League appearances, the club captain has been nowhere near his best, certainly not after 17 and 22 goal contributions in back-to-back campaigns.He now has two assists off the bench in his last three games, including the pass for Viktor Gyokeres’ second goal in the North London derby.Eberechi Eze has stolen his place in the attacking lineup, and when it hasn’t been the former Crystal Palace man, Bukayo Saka has occupied a more central role for the Gunners instead.Credit: ImagoBut if Arteta is serious about winning the Premier League title, he needs his most experienced players on the pitch, and that means putting Odegaard’s dismal performances behind him.Read more: PGMOL have been slammed over a new announcement ahead of Arsenal vs Chelsea.Martin Odegaard has a dazzling record against ChelseaOdegaard’s record against the Blues speaks for itself, and Arsenal will be hoping for more of the same when the two sides go head-to-head at the Emirates this weekend.In 10 meetings against Chelsea, the 27-year-old has never been on the losing side, winning seven, all while notching two goals and five assists, continuously haunting their London rivals.While he is without a goal or assist in his last three appearances against the Blues, this would be the perfect chance for Odegaard to right his wrongs and drag the Gunners to victory.Very few members of the squad have won major titles. That could all change once May rolls around.
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