After an uncertain first half of the season, Mikel Arteta’s team has opened 2024 with five straight league victories, scoring 21 goals. Could they accomplish it on a rainy, windy afternoon in Burnley? Odegaard ensured they could by scoring the first goal, his first in 13 games, and then dictating the tempo for the final 86 minutes.
‘We were great at West Ham last weekend and played really good again against Burnley,’ said Odegaard
‘The mindset has to be for us to keep going. We can still improve a lot of things. I don’t feel there is a big difference in my performance levels. I’ve been playing OK for a while but goals and assists make people talk about you more.
‘Previously, the team were creating chances but not scoring. Since the winter break, we’ve been brilliant in front of goal. We get so many people in the box.’
Nine different scorers have scored in the last five games, with Havertz the most recent after a strong solo effort in which he nutmegged Hannes Delcroix. The German is aware that outsiders were putting pressure on Arteta to recruit a centre forward in January, which now appears to be less needed after a successful team break in Dubai.
Arsenal’s improved gameplay and finishing have made them a more dangerous team. They now lack a true center forward, but they have built a more cohesive attacking unit where everyone can shine.