Martin Odegaard showed Arsenal exactly what they’ve been missing with talismanic display in 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest

As the old saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder.

After spending two months in top form while Martin Odegaard recovered from an ankle injury, seeing their talismanic captain in top form on Saturday was very welcome for the Gunners.

The Norwegian’s passing, dribbling and pressing are crucial to Mikel Arteta’s plan, which was further highlighted when Arsenal won just three of seven Premier League games in his absence. They’ve missed him, okay.

In the past, his work has been overshadowed by others. Arteta even faced questions about the midfielder’s position in the team during a poor spell in October last year.

Back then, the manager said: ‘We must be aware of his form and position. It’s about putting him in better positions and optimizing our tactics to make the most of his strengths.’

There is now no doubt how important Odegaard is to an Arsenal team that boasts marquee names such as Bukayo Saka and William Saliba.

While Saka opened the scoring with a good shot and set up Thomas Partey’s second, it was Odegaard’s player of the match performance that took the plaudits.

His clever, intricate passing around the box tore Nottingham Forest apart and his subtle off-ball run created space for Partey’s long-range shot.

His teammate Riccardo Calafiori conveyed a similar message after the match.

He said: ‘You feel it when it’s missing. It gives us a lot of energy and quality. You can feel it whether it’s on or off the court. Him and Bukayo, what they did was incredible. “It’s good to have them back.”

There is still a long way to go this season, but if Arsenal are to achieve their dreams, Odegaard must play a key role.