Captains

Starting against Olympiacos, Odegaard dictated play alongside Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino and, as well as providing chances, he was denied a goal by a superb Konstantinos Tzolakis save and follow-up block by defender Panagiotis Retsos.

“He has all the licence in the world to go forward,” said Arteta. “And to play with that freedom and with that level of play, level of threat.

“Not only with the passes; the way he was taking the ball and carrying the ball and making runs and arriving in dangerous areas.

“He put three people through to score a goal, he should have scored a goal as well. Great to have him back, he played some very good minutes in Newcastle to help us win the game and I think [here] he was phenomenal.”

Arsenal have changed their style of play this season, adopting a more direct approach to get the most out of their new signings and particularly striker Viktor Gyokeres.

The Swede’s strong burst into the box ended with Tzolakis pushing the finish on to the post and Martinelli tapped in the rebound for the 12th-minute opener.

It followed a pass from Odegaard, who said: “That is what I want to do, especially with those forward players, especially with Viktor who is so aggressive and always a threat.

“That is my job, to create things for them. I could have had a few more assists, but we got the win and I enjoyed it.”

Saracens have held talks with Racing 92 about a possible return for former club captain Owen Farrell, Sarries director of rugby Mark McCall says.

Former England skipper Farrell moved to the French club last summer, having spent his career to that point in north London.

“I think there are some discussions with Racing as to whether or not they would release him from his contract,” McCall told TNT Sports after his side’s final day win over Bath.

Saracens are looking to recruit cover with Alex Lozowski set to be out long term due to an Achilles injury suffered at the end of March.

The club ended an inconsistent season sixth in the Premiership with their 36-26 victory over an under-strength Bath side at StoneX Stadium on Saturday.

It was just the third time Saracens have finished outside the top four since 2009.

Farrell, who has 112 England caps and has represented his country in three World Cups, was one of a number of senior players to depart the club last year including Mako and Billy Vunipola.