“He is a fantastic player” - Alan Shearer names Arsenal star who ‘frees’ up Bukayo Saka on the pitch
Premier League legend Alan Shearer lauded Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard for his role in getting his teammates more involved in the game. The Englishman specifically mentioned star winger Bukayo Saka, highlighting that the Norwegian's movement and passing 'frees' him up on the wing.
A poor stretch of games before the international break saw the Gunners drop 10 points in just four Premier League fixtures. Desperate to bounce back, they took on high-flyers Nottingham Forest on Saturday, November 23.
Mikel Arteta's side secured much-needed win in style, with Odegaard and Saka playing starring roles. The 25-year-old played the ball in to the Englishman for the opening goal (15'). The latter then assisted Thomas Partey (52') and youngster Ethan Nwaneri (86') to round off a perfect evening.
The Norwegian created six chances, completed 60/67 passes (90%) and 3/4 dribbles (75%) and won 4/7 duels (57%) (Stats via FotMob).
Summing up his performance on the latest episode of The Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer said (via TBR Football):
“He is a fantastic player is Odegaard. He gives them so much. He brings so much to that team with the flair, the confidence, his ability on the ball. We said last night that when he is in that team, teams try and double up on him, which then frees Saka up one vs one, and you fancy Saka one vs one most players and that’s what happened yesterday."
The win against Forest took Arsenal's tally to 22 points, placing them fourth in the league standings. Although they sit nine points behind leaders Liverpool just 12 games into the season, competing for the EPL title is not completely out of the question with 26 games to go.
Their next league fixture sees them facing off against London rivals West Ham United on Saturday, November 30.
"They were fantastic" - Alan Shearer praises Arsenal's performance in 3-0 win vs Nottingham Forest
Ex-Premier League marksman Alan Shearer had nothing but praise for Arsenal's splendid display in a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League (November 23).
The victory was the Gunners' first since their 3-1 win over Southampton at the Emirates on October 3. Despite the result, a massive nine-point gap still remains to league-leaders Liverpool, who overcame the Saints 3-2 on Sunday (November 24).
Shearer applauded Mikel Arteta's side, showering praise on Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard's link-up on the right flank.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, the 54-year-old said (via TBR Football):
"Arsenal were fantastic, particularly down the right hand side and the danger that those two (posed) and the understanding they have of each other’s games, how and when to pass to each other."
"Arsenal were much, much better yesterday. After an international break you look at the teams and think maybe they weren’t at their best, but I thought Arsenal looked really good again yesterday," Shearer added.
Up next, the Gunners will take on unbeaten Portuguese side Sporting CP in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, November 26.
