How much have Arsenal missed Odegaard?
- Published
Martin Odegaard has been out with an ankle injury since the end of August but came on for the final few minutes of stoppage time against Inter Milan.
While his introduction was too late to influence the outcome of the match, it bodes well for the midfielder being more involved in Sunday's crucial Premier League game with Chelsea.
Odegaard's influence for Arsenal is clear, with the below table highlighting just how much more likely the Gunners are to win in the Premier League with him in their side compared to without him.
Without Odegaard, Arsenal clearly miss a creative spark. Against Inter, they fired 46 crosses into the box but none proved effective.
They also attempted 20 shots in the match, their most without scoring in a single Champions League fixture since November 2006 against CSKA Moscow (23).
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand said: "It's hugely frustrating - 46 crosses is the second most in the Champions League this season but the creativity, the imagination was not there.
"Odegaard has that little bit of imagination. Too often it was slung into the box without any idea.
"The quality he brings, the calmness the assuredness, the final pass. Those qualities are what set you apart and make you a great team."
