Arsenal returned to winning ways in the Champions League as they stunned Sporting Lisbon 5-0 at Estadio Jose Alvalade.
The Gunners dominated proceedings from the start and found themselves ahead with seven minutes on the clock.
Gabriel Martinelli tapped home the opener before Kai Havertz extended Arsenal’s advantage with a close-range finish after 22 minutes.
The Premier League giants were 3-0 ahead by the break, with Gabriel Magalhaes heading home another at the stroke of half-time.
Sporting pulled one back early in the second-half, but Bukayo Saka restored the visitors’ big lead by converting his spot-kick.
Leandro Trossard added a late fifth, wrapping up an excellent win for the North Londoners.
Mikel Arteta’s men were at their destructive best on Tuesday night, but Martin Odegaard looked to be the most impressive of all.
The Norwegian deservedly received a lot of praise from the national press. The Daily Mail called him ‘outstanding’, saying he is arguably ‘the finest midfielder’ in Europe.
The English newspaper gave him an 8/10 rating for producing a ‘top display’.
Their verdict read: “Kept on looking for killer passes in the final third and was a big part of why Arsenal were three up by the break. Another top display — and won the Gunners a penalty, too”.
Odegaard had 82 touches in the match, and he completed 56 of his 65 passes (86% accuracy).
He won four of his eight ground duels and registered two key passes, two tackles and an interception.
The Norway international has been an important player for Arsenal this season. The team massively struggled when he remained sidelined through injury for the last two months.
However, the Gunners have got their mojo back with Odegaard returning to the side.
Stats from Sofascore
