Arsenal made it two wins from two in the Champions League first phase after securing a 2-0 home win over Greek champions Olympiakos.
Gabriel Martinelli's early goal looked to have set the Gunners on course for a routine victory in North London, but they struggled to put away chances, before substitute Bukayo Saka wrapped up the result in added time.
Arteta made six starting changes from the 2-1 Premier League weekend win at Newcastle United with captain Martin Odegaard among the rotations.
Odegaard has endured a mixed start to the 2025/26 campaign, due to a persistent shoulder injury, with just one full 90 minutes completed prior to the Olympiakos win.
The Norway international suffered a dip in form last season after two superb years as the creative hub of Arsenal's midfield.
The arrivals of Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze this summer - alongside Arteta demanding more pragmatism in Arsenal's play - had placed doubt on Odegaard's place in it all.
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However, Arsenal's playmaker produced a timely reminder of his quality, with an assist for Saka and a key role in releasing Viktor Gyokeres to force Martinelli's opener.
Arteta allowed his captain to rotate as a left-sided No.8, with Zubimendi as the anchor, and he shone with game-leading tallies for chances created [4], most touches [86] and most final third passes [26].
Martin Ødegaard for Arsenal vs. Olympiakos:
— Squawka (@Squawka) October 1, 2025
◉ Most touches (86)
◉ Most final third passes (26)
◉ Most possessions won (8)
◉ Most chances created (4)
◉= Most crosses (4)
And he provided the assist for Bukayo Saka. 🅰️ pic.twitter.com/q3o4OQIhfY
Odegaard has spent the majority of his Arsenal career as a No.10, or a right-sided No.8, but Arteta confirmed he will be granted the freedom to impact games.
"He was phenomenal [vs. Olympiakos]. He influenced the game in a manner that's very important. He continued to play forward, carrying the ball, putting people through on goal and generated some big chances," as per Sky Sports.
"He should have scored in that big open chance he had. It's very good to have him back at this level.
"He's got all the licence in the world to go forward and to play with freedom. Play with that level of threat, not only with passes, but the way he takes and carries the ball, making runs and arriving in dangerous areas.
"Creativity is part of his nature. It doesn't bring any pressure to him, because it's his best ability, to generate things that not a lot of players can do. He has total freedom from my side to explore and take risks."
Arteta's comments hint at yet more changes for Arsenal's final game before the international break - at home to West Ham United on October 4 - with Eze and Declan Rice potentially brought back in.
Arsenal news and related links
- Arsenal legend claims Gunners will sack Arteta if 2026 target is missed
- Arteta backs Viktor Gyokeres despite being 'very far' from top form
- This stat says Declan Rice is becoming the Premier League's most complete midfielder