Arteta credits fitness and positioning for Ødegaard’s Arsenal revival

Martin Ødegaard’s improved availability and a more advanced attacking role have helped drive Arsenal’s strong start to the season, according to manager Mikel Arteta.

The Arsenal captain scored the only goal in a 1–0 Champions League win over Napoli, taking his tally to four goals in five appearances across all competitions. The result was reported by Sky Sports as Arsenal’s fifth consecutive victory.

Ødegaard scored once in 36 appearances during Arsenal’s injury-affected 2025/26 campaign, according to Sky Sports. Arteta said improved fitness had allowed the midfielder to contribute more consistently.

The manager also pointed to changes in Ødegaard’s positioning and his combinations with team-mates. Ødegaard is now taking up different heights, angles and positions in attack, creating more opportunities to receive the ball in threatening areas.

His touches in the opposition box have increased from 2.5 to 4.3 per 90 minutes, according to the report. Arsenal also recorded 26 shots against Napoli and an expected-goals figure of 4.05.

Ødegaard had recently scored Arsenal’s winning goal in a 2–1 Premier League victory over Chelsea. Arteta said the captain’s willingness to take risks and decide matches had become an important part of Arsenal’s attacking output.