Martin Keown names the Arsenal star who had a ‘new swagger’ against Man City
metro.co.uk · 1 hour ago
Arsenal sent out a warning to the Premier League with a 3-0 win over Man City in the Community Shield (Credits: Nick Potts/PA Wire) Martin Keown hailed the return to form of Martin Odegaard after the Arsenal captain starred in a superb 3-0 win over Manchester City in the Community Shield. The reigning Premier League champions laid down something of a marker with a comprehensive victory that will leave new City boss Enzo Maresca contemplating the size of the task ahead of him. First-half goals from Riccardo Calafiori and Kai Havertz set the Gunners on their way, before Odegaard iced the cake with a superb solo effort just after half-time. By his own high standards, the Norway international endured a difficult campaign last time around with injury hampering him and Eberechi Eze providing a genuine threat to his starting role. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. After a successful World Cup campaign, Odegaard looks to be back to his best and a stunning display against City vindicated his decision to return to pre-season earlier than expected. ‘These moments are great for these players because it gives them a new confidence,’ Keown told TNT Sports, watching Odegaard and his teammates celebrate the win. ‘I saw Odegaard with a new swagger in his play. For large parts of last year maybe he wasn’t at his best but he certainly looked like it today, some real creativity from him. Martin Odegaard was back to his best against Man City (Picture: Getty) ‘I talked about his swagger coming back and those connections. There was nutmegs, little changes of direction, it just seems it’s all coming back again. ‘He sat the goalkeeper down beautifully for the goal, a top goalkeeper by the way. He looks like he’s comning back with a new intention, he came back earlier by all accounts. ‘He hasn’t had much of a break because he missed so much of last season so he can afford to do that. ‘The manager gave him a large chunk of this match, he’s going to come under pressure but he’s handling it really well and that’s what the manager wants. He wants him to play is football and it looks like it’s there.’ Take a bow, Martin Ødegaard 😮💨Arsenal are flying against Man City!📺 Watch live on TNT Sports & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/cMHbIyJ90D— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 16, 2026 Those sentiments were echoed by BBC pundit and former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin who fears that a rejuvenated Odegaard underlines Arsenal’s status as title favourites. He said: ‘Martin Odegaard looked back to his very, very best and it’s like a new, brilliant signing. Eze back up and running, like a new signing as well. Madueke had a number of injuries last season, Kai Havertz as well. ‘They probably only need one more signing and they are, by some distance, the team to beat this season.’ Odegaard, himself, meanwhile was delighted with the performance of his team and insists he and his colleagues are hungry for more trophies. Martin Odegaard scored Arsenal’s third goal against Man City (Picture: Getty) He said: ‘We played some brilliant football. Great performance and a great way to start the season. ‘I always want to help the team as much possible with goals and assists. I want to score more goals. ‘We showed our level today. We’re showed we’re ready. We’re serious and we want to do it again. ‘We want to attack it. We want to do it again. When you get a taste of how nice it is you want to do it again. ‘We want to win everything.’ Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source