Ex-Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur star names 'glue' in Arsenal side after West Ham thrashing

Former Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie Redknapp has described Martin Odegaard as the ‘glue’ in the Arsenal starting XI following Saturday’s 5-2 victory at West Ham United.

The Gunners cruised into a 4-0 lead with a rampant first-half display at the London Stadium and although the Hammers clawed two goals back, a fifth Arsenal goal before half time knocked the wind out of the Irons sails. The result puts the Gunners six points behind Liverpool and and two points above Manchester City ahead tomorrow’s meeting at Anfield between the north west clubs.

Odegaard scored a first-half penalty after Gabriel Magalhaes and Leandro Trossard had put the visitors 2-0 up. Kai Havertz added a fourth but there was life in West Ham as Aaron Wan-Bissaka pulled a goal back with Emerson netting a second home goal two minutes later. Bukayo Saka struck from the penalty spot in the third minute of first-half stoppage time to ease any Arsenal nerves.

Speaking afterwards, Redknapp said: “Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard linked up beautifully at times and they looked like the side we've seen over the last couple of years. It just shows everybody what Odegaard does for this team, he knits it together. He is the glue in the team. He is an absolute joy to watch and you see how much better they are with him. He frees Saka up and gives him that time in one on one situations that you can't really have unless Odegaard is playing.”

Saka provided two assists along with his goal from the penalty spot and he believes Arsenal are back to their best after a poor run of form before the international break. He said: "I am taking a lot of pleasure from creating and scoring but the greatest pleasure is to win. Let's keep this form going. Definitely the last three games we have been back."