Martin Odegaard delivers perfect response to Thierry Henry Arsenal criticism
Martin Odegaard delivered the perfect response to Thierry Henry on Wednesday night.
Trailing Crystal Palace 1-0 in the Carabao Cup quarter-final at the Emirates Stadium, Mikel Arteta turned to his captain to come off the bench and help Arsenal into the semi-finals. The skipper delivered.
Gabriel Jesus made all the headlines with a superb hat-trick to finally prove his worth this season, but it was the skipper who produced a show-stopping performance off the bench to save Arsenal's blushes.
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In 45 minutes Odegaard had 43 touches of the ball, was successful with 30 of his 33 passes, created three big chances and delivered two assists for Jesus. He undoubtedly changed the game. And he did so by consistently breaking the lines and playing balls in behind the Palace back-line for Jesus to score.
Speaking on Monday Night Football, Arsenal legend Henry described the Gunners as "predictable". He said: "I would say they are very predictable.
"Look at what Bukayo Saka has against Man United [lack of forward passing options]. But it's predictable, we all know he's going to play with [Martin] Odegaard, everyone sees that.
"Can you beat the line? You can pass to Declan Rice and enjoy a quick 3v2. That's called creating, playing between the lines, attracting an opponent one way and going the other way to see what you can do with the 3v2.
"Too predictable, it goes to [Oleksandr] Zinchenko. Zinchenko can play to his winger, but he doesn't, he prefers to play to the '10', if he plays to the winger, then the '10' can make the run.
"And what do you do when you're Arsenal and you can't open up a team? You go to Bukayo Saka."
Odegaard's two assists for Jesus came from playing quick balls through the Palace defence and in to the run of Jesus, which was particularly evident with the Brazilian's first goal - the equaliser.
Arteta received criticism for bringing Odegaard off during the goalless draw with Everton in the Premier League at the weekend. Coming off the bench this time, the Norwegian showed what he could do, as if anyone needed reminding.
