Odegaard return 'only part of the solution'

When the line-up for Arsenal's trip to Chelsea was released on Sunday, there was a definite lift in the mood among fans. Martin Odegaard was to start, marking his return after eight weeks out with an ankle injury sustained while playing for Norway. Our season was about to reignite and all our prayers were answered.

In the first few games since Odegaard's injury, Arsenal's Plan B actually worked phenomenally well, with goals from centre-back Gabriel, as well as Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka.

There were even some debates (short ones) that Odegaard might not walk straight back into the starting line-up, particularly with fans pushing to see more of Ethan Nwaneri. But since then, Arsenal's build-up play has become slow and rigid, making it very difficult to see where any goal threat could come from.

Arsenal were much improved with Odegaard on the pitch on Sunday. Gabriel Martinelli's goal came via a typical Odegaard pass and many would have felt the tide sway in Arsenal's favour from this moment on, expecting the visitors to push on and secure their first Premier League win in four games.

But the problem with Arsenal at the moment is that when one problem is solved, another seems to appear, like a game of football whack-a-mole.

Chelsea's Marc Cucurella did an excellent job of neutralising Saka on the right wing and Arsenal's previously watertight defence is now showing signs of weakness.

There are many reasons to be positive now Odegaard is back in the side, but it should not detract from the other areas where Arsenal need to regain focus.

If they are to make up ground on leaders Liverpool, they must drill down on what saw them go so close to the title last year, like the impenetrable defence and ruthless attacking football.

Odegaard's return is only part of the solution.

Find more from Laura Kirk-Francis at the Latte Firm podcast