Arsenal's heartbeat returns to restore missing quality

The Emirates rose to its feet as soon as it became clear Martin Odegaard would be departing.

- JAMIE BRAIDWOOD

As all sides stood to applaud Arsenal’s best display in weeks, there was recognition too of the wondrous touches and effortless shimmies that had defined a game. Amid the brilliance from Odegaard, Arsenal realised it is the simple things only he can do that they had missed the most.

Nottingham Forest, who had beaten Liverpool and drawn at Chelsea to arrive at the Emirates level on points with Arsenal, looked second-best throughout and were dismissed 3-0. Arsenal were revitalised with their heartbeat restored, winning in the Premier League for the first time in five games. There was further reason to celebrate as Odegaard marked his first home appearance since August with a dazzling display. After a difficult, “nightmare” autumn that threatened to derail Arsenal’s title challenge, Odegaard helped restore the feelgood factor despite the bite of winter in the air.

And yet the match-winner, leading the way as Arsenal began a crucial run with an important victory, was Bukayo Saka. With a sublime opener and assist for Thomas Partey’s long-range strike to double Arsenal’s lead, Saka returned to his devastating best after four games without a goal, picking up his excellent attacking output from earlier in the season. With Saka and Odegaard in tandem again, all the worries that had gripped Mikel Arteta’s team before the international break were washed away.