The captaincy duel of fire and ice ahead of Arsenal’s clash against Man United… Red Devils skipper Bruno Fernandes is a cauldron of rage and emotion while Martin Odegaard is cool, calm, and collected Arsenal and Manchester United are set to go head-to-head in a vital Premier League clash in the title race this weekend.
The Gunners are currently leading the way with the Red Devils becoming dark horses since the return from the 2022 World Cup break with an impressive run of form.
The two form teams now look set to battle it out in their biggest match in around 15 years and one of the key battles could be in midfield between the two captains Martin Odegaard and Bruno Fernandes.
The Arsenal captain hauled himself out of bed to score the decisive second goal and then dragged his team out of harm’s way as limbs began to fly from the stands.
Then, despite his long night, Odegaard found time for a chat with someone he had met recently. They also happened to work for Tottenham. The staff member was blown away; Odegaard was puzzled. How could manners mean so much?
Perhaps that paints a depressing picture of what we expect from footballers these days. Or perhaps derby day was the finest illustration yet of why Odegaard has become Arsenal’s beating heart.
That long-range drive took his tally of goals and assists to 13 — already more than last season. With Mikel Arteta’s side five points clear at the top ahead of hosting Manchester United tomorrow, is there a finer creative midfielder in the country right now?
Behind closed doors, meanwhile, his blend of ruthless professionalism and quiet diplomacy has helped unite a young squad.
REF: REUTERS
