This was an unprecedented season for everyone connected with Arsenal as Mikel Arteta’s charges came so close to winning the Premier League, taking Manchester City to the final day of the campaign, but it wasn’t enough as Pep Guardiola’s men achieved the 4-peat.
At the forefront of this charge for the Premier League title, was Arsenal’s captain, Martin Odegaard. In addition to the 11 goals and 11 assists this season, Odegaard always led the press further up the pitch, rubbing off on his teammates, as he was very influential in the course of the campaign.
It was a keenly contested battle for the Player of the Season award, with Odegaard edging past Declan Rice and William Saliba, but it was quite interesting to see that last season’s runner up, Bukayo Saka, didn’t make the top three, despite the fact that he had his best goal contributions, 20 goals and 14 assists, in an Arsenal shirt. Maybe the fans have become accustomed to his consistency, but it has been amazing to see Saka evolve, and he’s just 22.
Odegaard will have an extended holiday, as Norway failed to qualify for the European Championships, but he will be glued to his TV screen cheering his Arsenal teammates on.
Odegaard has been an epitome of consistency season in, season out and winning the Player of the Season award for two consecutive season is a stark reminder of how the fans have been very appreciative of his development under the tutelage of Mikel Arteta.
Long may it continue.
Sayonara.
