After seven weeks on the sidelines, Arsenal fans could finally celebrate a long-awaited comeback. Captain Martin Ødegaard was back in action as Arsenal beat Bayern Munich 3-1 in the Champions League. The Norwegian came on with ten minutes remaining and played his first minutes since suffering a knee injury against West Ham on 4 October.
Although he didn't make his mark on the game, Ødegaard's introduction was a clear signal, both for Arsenal and their Premier League rivals. The captain is back, and the team looks more complete than it has in a long time.
The Arsenal machine keeps rolling
Mikel Arteta's men produced another convincing performance against a Bayern side that is rarely dominated. The win was Arsenal's fifth in a row in the Champions League and they top the group with a clean sheet. The team now appears to have the perfect balance between control and intensity - with a defensive foundation that allows the attack to shine.
With Ødegaard back on the pitch, Arteta regains the rhythm and calm in midfield, and not least a leadership that inspires the players around him. You could see how much it meant to both teammates and supporters to have the Norwegian back in action.
Tough program awaits
Arsenal now have a hectic schedule ahead of them. They will be in action away to Chelsea on November 30, before Brentford (December 3) and Aston Villa (December 6) follow in the Premier League. They then conclude their Champions League group stage away to Club Brugge on December 10.
With their captain back, confidence in the team and five wins from five in Europe, optimism is back in North London. Arsenal simply look like a team that can fight for everything this season.
