Martin Odegaard could be set for his biggest season for Arsenal

The first trophy of the season isn’t really a trophy. Of course, a literal piece of silverware is handed out to the winners of the Community Shield and Arsenal lifted it on Sunday after a comprehensive 3-0 win over Manchester City. The true significance of the traditional curtain-raiser, however, is symbolic.

By scoring three unanswered goals against their closest rivals, at least in terms of quality, Arsenal made a big statement ahead of the 2026/27 season and no player helped the Gunners make that statement more than Martin Ødegaard. The Norwegian was the best player on the pitch.

Ødegaard’s goal to give Arsenal a 3-0 lead three minutes into the second half might have been the highlight of the whole match. It was a showcase of the North London side at their free-flowing best with Ødegaard keeping his composure inside the box to wrong-foot Gianluigi Donnarumma and find the back of the net.

Shot map for Ødegaard’s goal vs.City

This, however, was only one part of the Norwegian’s eye-catching performance. Nobody completed more dribbles than Ødegaard who registered two shots on target and created one Big Chance. He was the creative heart for an Arsenal team that showed everyone why they’re still the side to beat this season.

Last season was a challenging one for Ødegaard. While Arsenal won the Premier League title for the first time since the Arsene Wenger era, their captain wasn’t always at his best. His 2025/26 campaign was hindered by injury, limiting him to only 1,371 league minutes, but even when Ødegaard was on the pitch, he was frequently a shadow of his former self.

There were times when Arsenal needed more from Ødegaard. The Gunners’ defensive record ultimately made them Premier League champions, but they weren’t always able to impose themselves on the strongest opponents. This was certainly the case against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final.

Ødegaard’s season summary for 2025/26

Sunday’s performance suggested Ødegaard might finally have reignited his creative spark. He constantly picked up pockets of space between the lines. His first touch was good and he was willing to drive forward with the ball, repeatedly forcing Manchester City’s defenders into difficult positions.

If Arsenal are to evolve their playing style this season, Ødegaard will need to replicate the sort of performance he produced in Cardiff. He could be more important than ever as the Gunners aim to keep their place at the top of English football. Ødegaard having a strong season would be good news for everyone at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal’s midfield has evolved over the summer, primarily due to the capture of Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle United. The Brazilian has been signed to be a starting figure and so that in itself will change the character and profile of Arsenal’s central unit. Guimarães will give them more presence in the middle of the pitch.

Myles Lewis-Skelly now appears to be viewed as more of a midfielder than a left back by Mikel Arteta considering he has started there in each of Arsenal’s last two competitive fixtures including last season’s Champions League final. Having the youngster at the base of the midfield might have played a part in freeing up Ødegaard against City.

How Arsenal lined up in the Community Shield

“Last year was really a big struggle with a lot of difficult moments,” said Ødegaard after victory in the Community Shield, reflecting on the previous campaign from an individual point of view. “It is the worst thing for a footballer to not be able to be on the pitch and I had quite a lot of weird injuries, and bad luck.”

“It was good for me to end the season with a title here and then a good World Cup. Then I had my break and I feel good, ready to go again. To miss so many games because of injury was really frustrating. What I have just worked on is to use that as motivation for this year and to come back stronger. To use all of those experiences in a positive way. Hopefully I can do that.”

That Ødegaard mentioned the World Cup was possibly telling. The tournament rejuvenated the midfielder who was a driving force for a Norway side that made a run to the quarter-finals and came within an extra time period against England of making the final four. Ødegaard will hope to carry his international form into the club game this season.

At 27, Ødegaard is entering his peak years. He has come through some tough times and looks to be stronger for it. Arsenal will be stronger for it too. The Gunners have the opportunity to establish themselves as the Premier League’s predominant force for years to come with Ødegaard at the centre of everything.