Arsenal kept up their strong run of results as the Gunners recorded another win and captain Martin Odegaard again found the net, a performance that BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty says underlines how the Norwegian is in the form of his life.
Odegaard's influence has become increasingly apparent: he has been a consistent source of goals and creativity from midfield while also providing leadership on the pitch. McNulty writes that the captain looks to have recovered the sharpness and confidence that can tip tight games in Arsenal's favour.
Beyond one individual, Arsenal's collective displays have suggested a side capable of handling different challenges. McNulty's assessment — that the team are "passing every test" — points to tactical flexibility, squad depth and the ability to grind out results when needed, traits that are often decisive over a long campaign.
The immediate impact is clear: a reliable goalscorer in midfield and a resilient team performance strengthen Arsenal's position among the contenders this season. Yet McNulty also implies that sustaining this level will be the ongoing challenge, as rivals adjust and the fixture list intensifies.
For now, Arsenal can take confidence from consecutive positive results and the form of their captain. As McNulty notes, Odegaard's resurgence has been a major factor in the Gunners' current momentum and will be central to their prospects in the weeks ahead.