Fit and Firing Again After “Tough Moments”: Could Odegaard Strike Again Tonight?

September 12, 2026 · Yahoo Sports

Martin Odegaard has been one of Arsenal’s standout performers at the start of the new campaign, and the captain has now given an insight into just how difficult last season was for him physically.

The Norwegian has already scored four times in five appearances this season, including decisive goals in Arsenal’s last two matches. He struck the winner as the Gunners beat Chelsea 2-1 at the Emirates before doing it again on Wednesday night, scoring the only goal as Arsenal defeated Napoli 1-0 in their Champions League opener.

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Suddenly, we are seeing an Ødegaard who looks sharper, more influential and, importantly, far more capable of adding goals to everything else he brings to Arsenal.

Odegaard opens up on difficult last season

Speaking to CBS Sports following the victory in Naples, Ødegaard revealed that injuries affected him far more last season than perhaps we realised at the time.

“Last season, I had many tough moments with injuries. It was tough for me. I’m so happy to be on the pitch and to feel good and fit,” he said.

He then explained that the issue was not simply the time he spent unavailable.

“There were several setbacks, and I played without feeling one hundred percent, but now I feel really good. I went into the World Cup feeling good, had a really good tournament, and carried that momentum into this season.”

That perhaps puts some of last season into greater perspective. Ødegaard was still playing at times, but by his own admission he was doing so without feeling completely right.

This season, the difference is already becoming increasingly obvious.

(Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Pundits noticing the old Odegaard again

Ødegaard’s resurgence has certainly not gone unnoticed.

Following his performance against Napoli, Joe Cole said the Arsenal captain was “back to his very best”, having been impressed by both his individual display and Arsenal’s performance in Italy.

Paul Merson went even further, suggesting that if Ødegaard maintains his current level, it would effectively be like Arsenal having a £100 million new signing.

That may sound extravagant, but the underlying point is difficult to argue with. Arsenal already knew the quality Ødegaard possesses. The question was whether they could consistently get the very best version of him again.

At the moment, the answer appears to be yes.

Could Ødegaard make it three winners in a row?

Attention now turns back to the Premier League and tonight’s difficult trip to Sunderland.

Ødegaard has scored the winning goal in Arsenal’s last two matches, against Chelsea and Napoli, and the Stadium of Light would be a very good place to continue that run.

We know from last season that Sunderland can make life extremely uncomfortable for Arsenal on their home turf. Having a fit and confident captain capable of producing a decisive moment could therefore prove particularly important tonight.

Could Ødegaard make it three games in succession with a goal and help Arsenal maintain their perfect start at Sunderland? Let us know what you think of Odegaard’s current form in the comments, Gooners. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ADMIN COMMENT

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