Press conference

'When everyone was trembling, he was composed'

Odegaard

At 3-0 down at the London Stadium, we needed big personalities and some big performances to drag us back into the match - and Martin Odegaard certainly delivered.

The on-loan midfielder was at his imperious best as he inspired a memorable comeback, and afterwards Mikel Arteta was full of praise for the Norway international.

"I think he had an incredible performance, he was very intelligent the way he read the game, the way he effected the game and again he showed how much he wants to win," our manager said.

"When everyone was a little bit trembling, he gave us that composure on the ball and he created chance after chance.

"I love talented and creative players that all the time are willing to take that ball and make things happen, that are mobile and also hard-working. He is one of them.

"We have some others with different qualities but it's true that Martin is now giving us a different level on certain things that we didn't have."

It is not just Odegaard's technical abilities that have caught the eye, but his leadership qualities as well.

"He's been showing that from week one," Arteta added. "When he steps on to that pitch, he always wants the ball.

"He commands the pressing and he's been really influential. I think we are all happily surprised because he looks shy and humble but when he steps on that pitch, he is a real character. He loves to play football."