Could refreshed Odegaard be like a new signing?
August 18, 2026 09:14
Martin Odegaard produced the standout performance as Arsenal beat Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield in Cardiff, earning the match award and scoring the game’s third goal with a deft dummy that left goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma stranded. He led Arsenal in several statistical categories in the match, including passes completed, dribbles and possession recoveries.
The display followed a difficult 2025-26 season for the Norway captain, who struggled with knee and shoulder problems and managed only 16 Premier League starts with one goal and seven assists — his lowest totals since signing permanently in 2021-22.
KEY CONTEXT
- Arsenal were Premier League champions last season; Mikel Arteta has reinforced midfield by signing Bruno Guimaraes for £75m.
- Odegaard missed substantial time last season through injury but finished fit and then played prominently for Norway at the World Cup, starting five of six matches and providing four assists.
- Arsenal’s midfield options now include Odegaard, Guimaraes, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze and Mikel Merino, whom teammates have described as an exceptionally strong group.
WHY IT MATTERS
Odegaard returning to form would have a direct impact on Arsenal’s creative output; his Community Shield performance suggests he can still influence games at a high level when fit. Combined with the new arrival of Guimaraes and the depth in midfield, a healthy, in-form Odegaard could change how Arteta deploys his side and how the team controls matches. However, his recent injury history means consistency across a full season is not yet assured.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Odegaard can sustain fitness through pre-season and into the league campaign after missing large chunks of last season.
- How the Odegaard–Guimaraes partnership develops when they start more matches together beyond their initial 45 minutes together in the Community Shield.
- If Odegaard can reproduce the passing, dribbling and possession-recovery levels he showed in Cardiff over competitive fixtures this season.
KEY FACTS
- Man-of-the-match in the 3-0 Community Shield win over Manchester City.
- Last season: 16 Premier League starts, 1 goal and 7 assists — lowest seasonal totals since 2021-22.
- Missed several months with knee and shoulder problems; Arteta said he was out for “five or six months.”
- Finished the season fit and recorded four assists for Norway at the World Cup, starting five of six games.
- Arsenal have added Bruno Guimaraes for £75m and now possess extensive midfield depth.