Arsenal captain Odegaard is back on form – and the nerves are easingMartin Odegaard’s return to form could turn out to be the key to Arsenal’s run-in and quieten chatter that he should hand over the captain’s armband to Declan Rice. He was hugely influential in Arsenal’s statement victory over Aston Villa and that’s significant. He ran the second half against Villa, easing tensions after a difficult opening 45 minutes, as Arsenal turned up the volume – and the style. The good news for Arsenal, however, is that by demolishing a title rival and getting key men back, they have calmed the nerves. That, above anything, could be the most important fact of an important night in the title race.

Source: Irish Examiner December 30, 2025 22:48 UTC