Martin Odegaard has made a flying start to the 2026/2027 season, and his early form could be exactly what Arsenal need in their pursuit of Champions League glory.
The Arsenal captain has already scored four goals in five matches, including the decisive strike in the Gunners’ 1-0 victory over Napoli in the Champions League.
Odegaard’s goal at the Diego Maradona Stadium on Thursday, September 10, proved particularly important because Arsenal had created numerous chances but struggled to turn their dominance into goals.
For a player whose influence was limited by injury last season, the early signs of a resurgence are significant.
Odegaard Returns With a Point to Prove
Odegaard’s numbers at the beginning of this campaign stand in sharp contrast to his output in 2025/2026.
Last season, the 27-year-old midfielder managed just one goal and six assists, with injuries disrupting his campaign.
This time, however, Odegaard appears to have rediscovered his attacking influence.
Four goals in five matches represents a notable improvement, particularly because his latest strike directly secured three points for Arsenal in one of their biggest early Champions League tests.
His ability to influence matches from midfield could become increasingly important as Arsenal face more demanding opponents throughout the campaign.
For the Gunners, having their captain producing decisive moments could provide another dimension to an already ambitious squad.
The Champions League Could Be Odegaard’s Biggest Motivation
Former Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha believes there could be an additional motivation behind Odegaard’s improved performances.
According to Onuoha, Arsenal still have unfinished business in the Champions League, and Odegaard could be determined to become the first Arsenal captain to lift the trophy.
“They have unfinished business in the Champions League. He wants to be the first Arsenal captain to lift that trophy,” Onuoha said, as quoted by BBC Sport.
The ambition would represent a major challenge for Arsenal.
The Champions League is one of the most difficult competitions in club football, with elite teams competing for the same prize. But Onuoha believes Arsenal should not be dismissed after their performances in recent campaigns.
He also suggested that Odegaard can elevate the team when he reaches his best level.
“You wouldn’t doubt their chances of winning it if you look at their performances here over the last two seasons; but when he is in this kind of form and playing like this, he really takes Arsenal to another level,” Onuoha added.
Odegaard Makes the Difference Against Napoli
The clearest example of Odegaard’s current influence came against Napoli.
Arsenal dominated the match and created opportunity after opportunity, but the score remained level for much of the contest.
The Gunners eventually recorded 26 shots during the game.
That figure was particularly notable because it represented Arsenal’s highest shot total in a single Champions League match since detailed records began in the 2003/04 season.
Napoli had also never faced as many shots in one Champions League match during the same statistical period.
Those numbers underline Arsenal’s control and attacking pressure, but they also highlight the importance of Odegaard’s finishing.
When other opportunities were missed, the captain found the decisive moment.
His strike ultimately turned Arsenal’s dominance into a victory.
Odegaard’s impact against Napoli:
- Scored the only goal in Arsenal’s 1-0 victory.
- Helped secure three points in the Champions League opener.
- Provided the finishing touch after Arsenal created numerous chances.
- Continued his impressive scoring start to the 2026/2027 season.
- Showed why his attacking contribution could be crucial for Arsenal.
Arteta Wants More From His Captain
Mikel Arteta was pleased to see Odegaard making a direct impact on the result.
The Arsenal manager believes goals that directly determine matches are exactly what he wants from his attacking players.
“Martin is contributing with goals that have an impact on the result of the games; that’s what we expect from our front players, to be decisive in winning games,” Arteta said.
Odegaard’s role is slightly different from that of a conventional forward, but his position allows him to arrive in dangerous areas and influence attacks.
His latest goal showed the value of having a midfielder capable of taking responsibility when the team needs a breakthrough.
However, Arteta also acknowledged that Arsenal could have made the victory far more comfortable.
“We should have achieved the result in a different way, considering the number of chances we created,” he added.
That remains one of the main areas Arsenal need to improve.
Why Odegaard’s Form Matters for Arsenal
Arsenal have shown that they can create opportunities against high-level opposition.
The challenge now is converting that attacking dominance into consistent goals.
That is where Odegaard’s current form could become especially valuable.
If the captain continues to score while maintaining his creative influence, Arsenal will have another reliable source of decisive contributions alongside their attacking options.
His leadership also carries additional importance.
As captain, Odegaard is expected to influence the team both through his performances and his presence on the pitch. A stronger attacking contribution can therefore have an impact beyond his personal statistics.
The early evidence suggests he is ready to take on that responsibility.
Can Odegaard Help Arsenal Lift the Champions League Trophy?
It is far too early to predict the eventual Champions League winner.
However, Arsenal’s opening performance against Napoli offered plenty of encouragement.
The Gunners dominated the shot count, created numerous chances and eventually found a way to win through their captain.
For Odegaard, the start to the campaign represents an opportunity to leave last season’s struggles behind.
Four goals in five matches is already a significant improvement from his previous campaign, while his winning goal in Naples showed that he can produce when the stakes are high.
If that form continues, Odegaard could become one of the most important figures in Arsenal’s Champions League campaign.
The ultimate objective is much bigger than individual statistics.
Arsenal want the trophy.
And if their captain continues performing at this level, there is growing reason for the Gunners to believe they can dream big in Europe.
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