Martin Odegaard’s performance at Arsenal mirrors legend Cesc Fàbregas’. With 15 goals this season, Odegaard could soon surpass Fàbregas’ record.

  • Martin Odegaard’s performance this season has been instrumental in Arsenal’s Premier League title chase, matching the goal tally of Arsenal legend, Cesc Fàbregas.
  • Odegaard has emerged as a prolific scorer, netting 15 goals in 34 games, with a chance to surpass Fàbregas’ record in the remaining three matches.
  • Since his move from Real Madrid in 2021, Odegaard has justified his €35m price tag, and then some.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MAY 07: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal FC at St. James Park on May 07, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – MAY 07: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal FC at St. James Park on May 07, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

In a sensational Premier League season, Arsenal finds a shining star in the form of Norwegian playmaker, Martin Odegaard. His consistent performance and prolific scoring rate have drawn comparisons to the Arsenal legend, Cesc Fàbregas.

Odegaard, 24, has firmly established himself as the main fulcrum of Mikel Arteta’s choral Gunners, making an instrumental contribution to their title fight. The Norwegian international’s newfound scoring prowess adds another feather to his cap, as he’s already notorious for his remarkable creative abilities.

With 15 goals in 34 Premier League games so far, Odegaard has matched the feat of Fàbregas, who last accomplished this in the 2009/10 season.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MAY 07: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the team's first goal with teammate Bukayo Saka during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal FC at St. James Park on May 07, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – MAY 07: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal with teammate Bukayo Saka during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal FC at St. James Park on May 07, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Notably, no Arsenal midfielder has achieved this goal tally in a Premier League season since the Catalan maestro. But with three games left (against Brighton, Nottingham Forest, and Wolves), Odegaard has a golden chance to surpass Fàbregas and etch his name in Arsenal’s history.

He’s proven to be a critical element in Arsenal’s title chase, netting five goals in the last five games. Despite a blank against Manchester City, Odegaard found the net against West Ham, Southampton, Newcastle, and Chelsea, scoring twice against the latter.

WATFORD, ENGLAND - MARCH 06: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal arrives ahead of the Premier League match between Watford and Arsenal at Vicarage Road on March 06, 2022 in Watford, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
WATFORD, ENGLAND – MARCH 06: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal arrives ahead of the Premier League match between Watford and Arsenal at Vicarage Road on March 06, 2022 in Watford, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Odegaard’s journey to Arsenal commenced in early 2021, moving from Real Madrid, where he was on loan at Real Sociedad.

His transfer fee of €35 million now seems like a bargain, considering the impact he’s had at the Emirates Stadium.

Martin Odegaard pre Everton

Arsenal’s captain, Martin Odegaard, in his matchday programme notes, talks about his scoring exploits and his continuous aspiration for more.

Having netted 15 goals this season, Odegaard credits his team, particularly Granit Xhaka, for providing him with the opportunities to score. He mentions his focus on being in the right place at the right time and his determination to improve his scoring abilities.

Despite his impressive scoring record this season, Odegaard insists there’s room for improvement, citing missed opportunities in games like the recent Newcastle match. He also highlights the importance of scoring goals from all over the pitch and praises his fellow teammates, including Bukayo Saka, Gabi Martinelli, Gabby Jesus, Eddie Nketiah, Leo, Reiss Nelson, and Granit Xhaka for their contributions.

Looking ahead to the Brighton match, Odegaard acknowledges the challenges Brighton pose, particularly their high-intensity play and effective pressing. He encourages the support of the home crowd to help drive Arsenal to victory.