100% dribbles, 5 recoveries: 64-touch star was Arsenal's best player vs Brighton yesterday

Arsenal secured a third-straight Premier League win after a 2-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

The Gunners reclaimed their top spot in the table with a hard-fought win over the Seagulls. There were some positives despite the nervy finish to the game.

Martin Odegaard and David Raya were phenomenal on the day. Raya made a world-class save at 2-1, which manager Mikel Arteta described as ‘sensational‘.

Odegaard was likewise hugely impressive on his return to the starting line-up.

The club captain opened the scoring with a brilliant strike from the edge of the box in the 14th minute.

Aside from his goal, the Norwegian had 64 touches with 47 successful passes. He won 100 percent of his dribbles (2/2), along with four duels and five recoveries.

Odegaard was brilliant with his decision-making from midfield, creating five chances. He was a catalyst behind multiple counterattacks with his wide range of distribution.

The £30 million signing has endured a frustrating first half to the ongoing campaign. He has been hampered by three injuries, including a lengthy knee problem.

Odegaard has finally got back into his groove and had his best performance of the season yesterday.

The 27-year-old had a good outing against Olympiacos in matchday two of the Champions League in October, where he scored in a 2-0 victory at the Emirates.

However, yesterday’s contribution was more meaningful. His first goal of the league campaign ensured Arsenal went on to secure maximum points from the game.

Arsenal maintained their slender two-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the table. They are also three points ahead of Aston Villa, whom they host on Tuesday.

Villa are in exemplary form, with 11 straight wins across all competitions, including eight in the league.

Odegaard has a huge role to play in midweek as Arsenal seek to beat the Villans at the Emirates for the first time since August 2022, when Gabriel Martinelli scored a late winner (2-1).

Stats from Sofascore.com

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