With a few minutes left in the Community Shield match between Arsenal and Manchester City, Martin Ødegaard was substituted. When he walked towards the bench, the Norwegian captain received a standing ovation and deafening applause from all Gunners supporters. Fully deserved, because as the BBC commentator put it on Radio 5 Live: “Ødegaard has directed most of what has happened on the pitch and his scoring was superb”.
The BBC followed up with the following message to Arsenal supporters: “If this is the Martin Ødegaard they will see in the 2026/27 season, then they have a lot to look forward to!”.
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Arsenal led 3-0 when Ødegaard was substituted, a position that stood the test of time. The captain, who received so much plaudits from his own supporters this winter, when injuries and a lack of world-class form characterized the captain’s contributions, showed first in the season finale, then the World Cup for Norway, then in the first game of importance in the Community Shield final, that he is the man who leads to success – and there is more to come.
Imagine that “experts” and Arsenal supporters as recently as this summer have thought Arsenal should sell Martin Ødegaard. There is now no doubt that Ødegaard is the captain of the best times!
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Here you have the match summary of Arsenal – Manchester City to the new title for Ødegaard and the Gunners.
