Odegaard praises Saka and previews Chelsea derby

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has reflected on the club's winning start to the Premier League season, singling out Bukayo Saka's form and flagging Chelsea as a serious early-season test.

Writing in the Arsenal matchday programme ahead of the London derby, Odegaard described Monday's victory at Villa Park as hard-earned against a well-organised opponent. "It wasn't easy for us, but we did really well to get the goal with the whole squad playing their part to get the win," he wrote.

Odegaard highlighted defensive solidity as a key theme through Arsenal's opening three league games. "We didn't allow them to create much at all, and defended brilliantly throughout the team," he said, adding that collective effort had been consistent across all three fixtures.

On Saka, Odegaard noted the winger had returned from an injury-disrupted previous campaign in noticeably sharper condition. "He's come back really hungry, really determined to do even better this season. We are seeing it in the games and we've seen it in training every day as well."

Looking ahead to Chelsea, Odegaard acknowledged the visitors' attacking threat. "They've been really good going forward so far, playing some good attacking football. They have got some really good players and have made more signings this summer," he wrote, describing the fixture as "a big test" and "a good fight."

Odegaard also paid tribute to departing players Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli, both of whom left the club during the transfer window. "I played a long time with Gabby and Gabi, and shared some great moments together with them," he wrote. "It's always tough to see them go, but that's part of football."