"He is the glue in this team" - Jamie Redknapp hails 'brave' Arsenal star after Gunners' 5-2 win against West Ham

Jamie Redknapp has told fans to watch Arsenal's 5-2 win over West Ham United to understand how important Martin Odegaard is for the Gunners. The Norweigan playmaker was excellent as his team beat the Hammers at the London Stadium (November 30).

Odegaard was among the scorers, converting a penalty in the 34th minute as the visitors ran riot in the first half. He put on a dazzling display of creativity, with two key passes and finding his man with two of three long ball attempts (per Sofascore).

Redknapp hailed Odegaard and felt Arsenal's win against West Ham showed why their captain is a key for Mikel Arteta. He said on Sky Sports:

"It just shows everybody what Martin Odegaard does for this team when he plays. He just knits it all together. He is the glue in this team, he's brave, everytime he gets the ball he makes the right pass. He's an absolute joy to watch."

Odegaard missed 12 games earlier this season due to an ankle injury, and the Gunners faltered in his absence. Arteta's men lost 2-0 to Bournemouth and 1-0 to Newcastle United.

The Norway international played a vital role in tonight's away win. His team moved up to second in the Premier League, six points behind leaders Liverpool, who play Manchester City tomorrow.

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"I'm more than happy" - Arsenal's MOTM Bukayo Saka on giving Martin Odegaard a penalty

Martin Odegaard was given a spot kick by usual taker Bukayo Saka (Image - Getty)

Odegaard was superb in the middle of the park, but Bukayo Saka was Arsenal's man-of-the-match. The English winger bagged from the spot in the 45+5th minute after providing two assists.

Saka also handed penalty duties to Odegaard before taking his own. He touched on this after the victory at the London Stadium (via the source above):

"It was nice. Martin is a top player, he’s been playing so good since he’s come back & he wanted to take the penalty to score today. I’m more than happy to give him the ball because he always gives me the ball!"

Saka and Odegaard became the first players in Arsenal's history to score two penalties in a first half of Premier League football. It wasn't just their spot kicks that were impressive as they linked up with aplomb.

The attacking duo will be crucial for Arteta in his bid to end the north Londoners' 20-year wait for a title. They have a massive clash against Ruben Amorim's Manchester United next up on Wednesday (December 4).