Odegaard’s Box Runs Double, Reviving Arsenal’s Attack

Why does Arsenal look so threatening at the start of the 2026-27 season? A key change can be found in Martin Odegaard’s movement patterns. His high-intensity runs into the opposition penalty area per 90 minutes have jumped from 1.4 last season to 3.2, more than doubling.

This is not just a moment of individual inspiration. Behind the data is a clear tactical adjustment by Mikel Arteta—pushing Odegaard closer to goal and turning him from a creator into a finishing threat inside the penalty area.

From one goal to three goals, the role has changed

Last season, Odegaard made only 36 appearances due to injury and scored just one goal throughout the campaign. At the beginning of this season, he has already scored three goals in four matches across all competitions, including important goals against Manchester City and Chelsea.

More importantly, his off-ball runs to meet crosses have increased. This figure has risen from 0.65 per 90 minutes to 2.8, a fourfold increase. This means he is no longer just waiting outside the box for the ball to be moved wide, but is frequently making runs into the area to attack crosses.

Why this change unlocks Arsenal

The answer is directly related to Kai Havertz’s style of play. Havertz operates as a false nine and needs someone making runs ahead of him to pull apart defenses. Odegaard’s frequent runs into the box now provide exactly that kind of depth threat.

The distance between the two players has become smaller, making Arsenal’s attack more dynamic and harder to predict. Odegaard has a high involvement rate in shot-ending sequences, showing that he not only scores himself but also creates space and opportunities for teammates.

Fitness is the biggest variable

Over the past two seasons, injuries limited Odegaard’s league starts to 26 and 16 respectively. Arsenal’s performances have clearly been better when he is fit, and that is not in dispute.

The question now is whether he can maintain this physical condition. If he can, he has a chance to challenge his personal best record of 15 goals. If he cannot, Arsenal’s attacking power will be reduced again.

A signal that could worry other Premier League teams

Odegaard’s performances at the World Cup have already demonstrated his ability. In the Premier League this season, only two players have exceeded 1.0 in both expected goals and expected assists, and Odegaard is one of them.

The sample size is still small, but the scale of the statistical increases is enough to show something. Odegaard appears to have returned to his best form, and may even be stronger than before. For Arsenal, this is the most positive signal of the early season; for other Premier League teams, it is clearly not good news.