Paul Merson Praises Martin Odegaard After Arsenal Win

Martin Odegaard has been singled out as the standout performer for Mikel Arteta’s title-cursed Arsenal side so far this season, according to comments highlighted by sports.yahoo.com and Yahoo Sports.

Arsenal Secure Comfortable Home Win Over Everton

By claiming a 2-0 victory over Everton at the Emirates, Arsenal pulled level on points with Manchester City at the summit of the Premier League table. Ezri Konsa bundled home a seventh-minute opener to score his first goal for the club since arriving from Aston Villa. Gabriel Magalhaes then doubled the advantage in the second half to seal all three points at the Emirates, as the hosts punished the visitors for their lack of cutting edge in the final third.

Paul Merson Heaps Praise on Outstanding Odegaard

Following the victory, former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson highlighted Odegaard as the standout performer of the campaign. Operating centrally, the Norwegian controlled the tempo and carried over his impressive display from the midweek fixture against Bayern Munich. Speaking on Sky Sports, Merson heaped praise on the Arsenal playmaker.

I thought Odegaard was outstanding, if you had to pick someone. He just ticks it all over, he’s so comfortable, he’s got a great left foot, he’s just a nice, nice player. When he’s in the mood and he has been in the mood this season, his confidence has been high, he’s been the one for me.

Paul Merson on Sky Sports via sports.yahoo.com and uk.sports.yahoo.com

Everton Fail to Punish Hosts During Second-Half Push

Despite the final scoreline, Arsenal did not have everything their own way against the Merseyside outfit. Jordan Pickford initially thwarted the home team with a sharp save before Konsa reacted quickest to steer in the loose ball from close range.

I wouldn’t say it was easy, easy because that would be disrespectful to Everton but it was comfortable. It was a good save by Jordan Pickford and Konsa just gambled, comes in and taps it in from a yard out. You then think it’s going to be four, five or six and they didn’t, Everton played well after that, played some nice football. Everton just haven’t got that real threat. Thierno Barry had a really good chance and it’s a different game if that goes in. Arsenal then scored another really good goal from Gabriel.

Paul Merson via sports.yahoo.com and uk.sports.yahoo.com

Fleetwood Town and Liverpool Clashes Await Arsenal

The north London side will now temporarily turn their attention to cup competition. On Tuesday night, Arsenal make the trip to take on League Two side Fleetwood Town in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. After that midweek assignment, Arteta’s squad faces a massive test of their domestic credentials. Next Sunday, they return to Premier League action for a high-profile showdown against Liverpool at Anfield.

More on Arsenal: Arsenal Come From Behind to Beat Leeds and End Unbeaten Run · Arsenal beat Lille 3-0 as Timber scores and Gyökeres struggles · Arsenal set £64m asking price for Viktor Gyokeres