Martin Ødegaard's return brings clarity in the chaos but cause for regret too | Barney Ronay

11/10/2024 04:02 PM

On the plus side, the Norway midfielder shone against Chelsea. On the minus, Arsenal only have one of him

Seconds before the final whistle at Stamford Bridge, as Leandro Trossard narrowly failed to get a touch on a low cross from Jurriën Timber, Mikel Arteta could be seen rolling on his back on the touchline like a frisky labrador puppy. Still immaculate in his buttoned black anorak, hair flawless, he was very publicly agonised by such knife‑edge margins and in the process, perhaps tweaking the narrative a little, seeking some montage prominence, a final word on this tight, bruising 1-1 draw.

There was one major positive for Arsenal here, closely followed by one major negative. On the plus side Martin Ødegaard returned to the starting XI, played 90 minutes and notably improved the team. On the minus side, well, there's only one of him. There is no other Ødegaard-shot lurking in the medicine bag. The difference he made here, even in half-fit form, that instant glaze of craft and control, will also be cause for a few regrets.