'Gives them so much': Alan Shearer says Arsenal have a 'fantastic' player who makes Bukayo Saka even better

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Arsenal got back to winning ways over the weekend with a big win over Nottingham Forest and Alan Shearer has reserved special praise for one Gunners star.

Mikel Arteta's side were desperate for a win after a poor run of form before the international break.

They got just that and more, as they saw off an in-form Forest side to breathe new life into their campaign.

• READ MORE: Nuno Espirito Santo names the three Arsenal players who ’caused problems’ against Nottingham Forest

Of course, with Liverpool winning again, the title still looks a long way off.

However, with a long way to go and key players coming back, Arsenal are still in the mix and according to Alan Shearer, the influence of Martin Odegaard cannot be understated.

Martin Odegaard makes Bukayo Saka better for Arsenal

Speaking on the latest episode of the Rest is Football, Shearer lauded the impact of Odegaard and pointed out how his presence ensures Bukayo Saka gets into better positions as well.

"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," Shearer said.

"And absolutely 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.

"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."

Odegaard is like Rodri to Arsenal

Man City have crumbled without Rodri in the midfield and while they are different players, Martin Odegaard has a similar impact on Arsenal.

We've seen while he was out and then since he came back in just how integral Odegaard is to the jigsaw.

Odegaard was lauded for his part in Saka's goal at the weekend and rightly so.

If he can stay fit, then Arsenal will end up being the team who comes closest to Liverpool by May.