The Athletic journalist spotted what Odegaard kept telling Partey & Saka to do during Arsenal v Chelsea | OneFootball

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard was directing team-mates Thomas Partey and Bukayo Saka on how they should press during the opening minutes of the first half against Chelsea on Sunday, according to The Athletic journalist Art de Roche.

The Norwegian international midfielder was playing his first Premier League game in 71 days having been out injured, and he showed the Gunners exactly what they had been missing.

Odegaard provided the assist for Gabriel Martinelli to help Arsenal take the lead against the Blues, regaining possession earlier before trading passes with Partey and setting up the Brazilian to score.

The North Londoners did not only miss his creativity in the middle of the park, they also missed his leadership and guidance, and it can be argued that they would not have dropped some of the points they did had he been available.

The Arsenal star finished the match with the most chances created (four) by anybody on the pitch and also won possession (three times) in the final third more often than anyone.

Chelsea eventually came from behind to hold the Gunners to a 1-1 draw, but things could have been different if others emulated Odegaard and put in the same efforts.

Their pressing forced the hosts to take the ball back to their goalkeeper Robert Sanchez at times, but Chelsea were also able to find Cole Palmer at times when Arsenal failed to get their pressing right.

The result leaves them nine points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool after 11 games, and they will be desperate to go on a long winning run when action resumes after the international break.

Having the influential Odegaard back is a massive boost going forward, but manager Mikel Arteta will now be hoping Declan Rice and Saka have not picked up serious injuries after they asked to be withdrawn during the game yesterday.