Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
Martin Odegaard Believes Declan Rice’s ‘incredible’ performance as emergency right-back shows arsenal ‘Ready to do whatever it takes’ to win the Premier League.
Jurien Timber withdraws on the eve of Gunners 2-1 win brighton – which restores their two-point advantage over Manchester City at the top of the table – with a suspected ankle injury.
Ben White’s continued absence has led to rice Filling in at full-back, Mikel Arteta’s defensive issues continued into the warm-up, with Ricardo Calafiore forced to withdraw before kick-off.
Arteta said after the tense win that the club, which has suffered a series of injuries this season, is in survival mode.
With both Timber and White unavailable on Saturday, Rice, who has been one of the league’s standout midfielders so far this season, is likely to be sidelined again when Arsenal face third-placed Aston Villa on Tuesday.
“What he (Rice) did was unbelievable,” Ochid said of his team-mate’s performance against Brighton.
“Playing at right-back, probably for the first time in his life, and then to do it the way he did today is unbelievable, so his performance was very, very good.
“That’s the team we have. Everybody is ready to do whatever it takes and (Rice’s performance) is another great example of that.”
Odegaard started his scoring campaign for Arsenal this season after 14 minutes at the Emirates Stadium, helping Arsenal to victory.
The home side looked set to claim an easy three points when Georginio Root scored an own goal shortly after the break.
However, after Diego Gomez scored in the 64th minute, David Raya made an impressive save in the final quarter of an hour to ensure Arsenal were back on top.
Odegaard has been short of goals over the past 18 months and is delighted to have his goal drought ended.
The Norway international added: “I’ve been waiting for that moment and working really hard to improve my finishing.
“I like to be in those areas and with Bukayo (Saka) we know each other very well and he found me there and there was a little angle for the corner, so it was a good goal.
“It’s awesome. Like I said, we’ve been working hard to get it and it’s there, so we’re really happy.”