Garth Crooks hails key Mikel Arteta decision, names ‘quite brilliant’ Arsenal pair in Premier League TOTW

BBC pundit Garth Crooks has included Arsenal duo William Saliba and Martin Odegaard in his Premier League Team of the Week.

The pair were both on the scoresheet as the Gunners continued their 100% start to the new top flight season with an impressive 3-0 win over Bournemouth on Saturday evening.

Odegaard opened proceedings with a quickfire brace, before Saliba stunned the Cherries with a smartly-taken long range effort.

Reflecting on the French defender’s recent contributions, Crooks told BBC Sport: “He was impressive in Arsenal’s opening fixture, scored an own goal in the following game and netted his first goal in English football in the next. Saliba certainly knows how to make an impact.

“It’s one thing helping your team keep a clean sheet away from home but then to go hunting for goals at the same time is enough to make me sit up and take notice.

“For a defender he certainly knows how to score a goal. His finish against a Bournemouth side, who on this occasion appeared totally out of their depth, was quite brilliant.”

Likewise, Crooks was suitably impressed with Odegaard’s accomplished showing at the Vitality Stadium.

He said: “There is something rather cultured about Odegaard’s game. He never seems too rushed and he is very comfortable on the ball.

“His second goal against Bournemouth was considerably better than his first even though both his goals were created by the brilliantly rejuvenated Gabriel Jesus.

“Mikel Arteta has made a good choice in appointing Odegaard has his new club captain.

“The calm and unexcitable Norwegian seems to have a very different temperament to the likes of the recently departed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or Granit Xhaka. Both of whom have worn the captain’s armband in the past but not, I’m afraid, with any distinction.”

Following Saturday’s victory, Arsenal are now the only side in the Premier League to have won all three of their opening top flight fixtures this season.

Next up for the Gunners is a clash against London rivals Fulham next weekend, with the Cottagers bidding to extend an unbeaten record of their own. Marco Silva’s side have picked up five points from their opening three matches, and currently sit seventh in the table.