Arsenal`s recent performances have showcased a dynamic and direct style of play, a refreshing change that fans and critics have eagerly awaited. This renewed intensity was particularly evident during their match against Olympiacos. The ball moved swiftly upfield, creating immediate opportunities for forwards like Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli to aggressively challenge the opposition`s defense. While some chances for more comfortable finishes were missed, the overall display, highlighted by Martinelli’s early goal and Bukayo Saka’s late clincher, clearly signaled a significant strategic shift.
Odegaard`s Pivotal Return and Immediate Impact
The timing of Arsenal’s invigorated display perfectly coincided with the return of club captain Martin Odegaard to the starting lineup. This marked his first full half of football since the opening weekend of the season. After a frustrating start marred by an ankle injury, Odegaard`s presence on the pitch immediately revitalized the team. He utilized his time effectively, most notably delivering a precise through ball that allowed Gyokeres to disrupt the Olympiacos backline, directly setting up Martinelli’s opening goal. Despite missing a couple of chances himself, Odegaard`s inventive play ultimately provided the assist for Saka`s decisive low drive.
Embracing a More Aggressive, Risk-Taking Approach
What truly distinguished Odegaard`s performance was his increased willingness to gamble with possession in pursuit of game-changing passes. Traditionally, Odegaard is known for his high pass completion rate (typically around 87%) and a methodical approach, often orchestrating a slower, more controlled build-up alongside Bukayo Saka. However, against Olympiacos, his first-half pass completion dipped to 77%, a clear indicator of his embrace of a more direct and aggressive style. This approach, prioritizing rapid ball delivery, is particularly effective for forwards like Gyokeres, who thrive on quick service. Odegaard actively sought and exploited spaces between opposition lines, demanding the ball and instantly propelling it into dangerous areas with his first touch, demonstrating a newfound freedom and urgency in his play.
Arteta`s Vision for a Transformed Attack
Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that this aggressive, risk-taking play is precisely what he expects from Odegaard and the team as a whole. Arteta grants his captain “total freedom to do and to explore and to take risks and to feel the movement away,” emphasizing the crucial need to generate attacking spaces quickly. This aligns with Arsenal’s broader strategic shift this season, aiming for a faster attack that bypasses opposition presses and gets the ball into dangerous areas before defenses have time to organize. This more “basketball-y” approach, as described, significantly increases Arsenal’s direct speed in advancing the ball towards the goal (from an average of 1.12 to 1.71 meters per second).
A Potent Strategy with Calculated Risks
While this rapid, direct style might occasionally leave the defense more vulnerable, Arteta views it as a logical and beneficial approach given the exceptional quality of Arsenal’s defenders and the potent threat posed by their attackers in open space. The game against Olympiacos served as a compelling testament to the effectiveness of this strategy, showcasing Odegaard’s ability to thrive and dictate play within such an environment. This tactical evolution, encouraging Odegaard to unleash more incisive and risky passes, promises to be a highly successful direction for Arsenal`s attack moving forward.
