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Jorge Jesus has explained why he decided to leave Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench during Al-Nassr's Saudi King Cup of Champions round of 32 clash with Jeddah on Tuesday. In Ronaldo's absence, his compatriot Joao Felix starred for Al-Nassr as the Saudi giants beat Jeddah 4-0. Felix contributed with a goal and an assist to continue his dream start to life in Saudi Arabia.

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  Felix shines in Ronaldo's absence

  It seems Felix has finally revived his career and recovered his long-lost form since moving to Saudi Arabia from Chelsea in the summer, as he has already scored seven goals across all competitions for Al-Nassr and provided two assists. On Tuesday, Felix spearheaded Al-Nassr's attack in their thumping win over Jeddah with two more goal contributions.

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  Ronaldo left on the bench

  Ronaldo has four goals to his name in the 2025-26 campaign to date and was fresh from scoring a brace in Al-Nassr's 5-1 win over Al-Riyadh last Saturday. Despite his impressive form, Jesus opted not to use the 40-year-old in the cup clash as he remained rooted to the bench.

• Jesus explains Ronaldo's absence

  Speaking to reporters after the match, the Al-Nassr boss said: "I was looking to maintain his fitness and prepare for the upcoming matches in the Saudi Pro League."

  Jesus also spoke highly of his team's dominating gameplay, as he added: "Jeddah was good at times, but no team can confront Al-Nassr's attack."

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  Ronaldo ready for Al-Ittihad clash

  After a well-earned rest, Ronaldo will likely feature in Jorge Jesus' starting lineup again in a crucial Saudi Pro League encounter against reigning champions Al-Ittihad on Saturday. Al-Nassr are top of the table ahead of Al-Ittihad on goal difference after three games.

Leeds United will host Everton on Monday night as they return to the Premier League for the first time after a two-year absence. Daniel Farke’s side will be looking to get the campaign off to a dream start after a busy summer, where they have made several new additions to their squad.

The Whites have looked to strengthen right across the pitch. They have brought in a new goalkeeper in Lucas Perri, three new defenders, including Jaka Bijol, two midfielders, with one of those Newcastle United academy graduate, Sean Longstaff, and a new centre-forward, Lukas Nmecha, on a free transfer.

However, the Yorkshire side don’t seem to be done there, and are focusing on bringing in more attackers before the window slams shut.

Leeds’ next attacking targets

It was reported on Wednesday that England international Dominic Calvert-Lewin will imminently move to Elland Road on a free transfer. He is set to have a medical after leaving Everton in the summer.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Calvert-Lewin is not the only new attacker who could be on his way to Leeds. According to Beren Cross of The Athletic, they are said to be ‘showing interest’ in signing AC Milan forward Noah Okafor.

There is yet to be an official approach from Leeds for Okafor, according to Cross, but he is a player ‘Leeds are looking at in the final weeks of the window’, and a late move could be on the cards.

It wouldn’t be a deal that breaks the bank, either. Earlier in the window, Milan were reportedly asking for just £13m for the Switzerland international.

Why Okafor would be a good signing

The 2024/25 campaign was not necessarily an easy one for Okafor. He struggled to break into the Milan team, with injuries disrupting his campaign, and a January loan move to eventual Scudetto winners Napoli was even less fruitful for him.

In total, the 25-year-old made just 21 appearances across all competitions, four in a Napoli shirt and the rest for the Rossoneri.

In that time, he bagged just one goal, an opening-day equaliser in the 95th minute against Torino.

Yet, the forward has shown great promise earlier in his career. He played four seasons for RB Salzburg in Austria before moving to Milan. In 110 appearances, he scored 34 goals and assisted 23.

Two of those seasons, 2021/22 and 2022/23, saw him register double-figure goal involvements, and the underlying numbers stand out. For example, he created 2.3 chances and 2.1 chances, respectively. That is why football talent scout Jacek Kulig called him an “electric” attacker.

If Okafor does move to Elland Road, he could be the second coming of Wilfried Gnonto. The Italian attacker has had a similar career path to Okafor and offers similar versatility to the Swiss forward.

Gnonto’s numbers across his Leeds career are impressive. The 21-year-old has already racked up over a century of appearances for the club, with 118 to his name. In that time, he’s found the back of the net 22 times and assisted 13 further goals.

The pair have certainly followed a relatively similar career path so far. Like Okafor representing Milan, Gnonto has also been on the books of a Serie A giant from the same city, although he played for Inter’s youth sides.

On top of that, they’ve each played in the Swiss top flight, with the potential new Leeds addition representing FC Basel and Gnonto playing for Zurich. Now, their paths could cross at the same time if the Milan attacker joins Leeds.

Aside from their similar career moves, the players are both versatile attackers. They are able to play on both wings, lead the line as a striker or play in behind another centre-forward, as a number ten or a second striker.

Oh, how Leeds fans would surely love to have the second coming of Gnonto at Elland Road. The Whites’ number 29 has been a key player over the years, so if Okafor can rediscover his best form and replicate Gnonto, it would be a huge bonus.

A dream for Calvert-Lewin: Leeds offer contract terms to sign £24.5m star

Leeds United have reportedly offered contract terms to a star who would be a dream for Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

By
Dan Emery

Aug 14, 2025

A Chelsea legend has warned his old team to be "careful" with how they treat 'bomb squad' players Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi. The duo are training away from the Blues first-team after failing to secure summer exits. Amid talks with the Professional Footballers Association, Pat Nevin believes Chelsea need to watch how they treat Sterling and Disasi as it could damage the dressing room.

• Maresca downplays concerns over Chelsea 'bomb squad'

  The PFA have reportedly been in talks with Chelsea over how they are treating exiled duo Sterling and Disasi but last week, head coach Maresca suggested these players don't have it that bad compared to other professions. But former Blues star Nevin, who played for the club between 1983 and 1988, thinks this is a matter that needs to be delicately handled, else it could backfire.

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  Chelsea told to be 'careful' with 'popular' Sterling

  He told BetIdeas.com: "The PFA is not the main problem. The main problem is bigger than that. Your main problem is if you treat two players like that and the rest of the team sees it, which they will, because it's their mates – and I know players can be selfish and are selfish and have to be selfish – they all know that's what I'm going to get. Now, management doesn't always think along these terms because it's short term. There's a big danger there. And it is a warning. Being on just about every side of the game and seeing it, it can damage spirit. Players are selfish and they take care of themselves. But Raheem Sterling is liked, he's popular within that dressing room. You certainly don't just blank your mates. So Chelsea need to be careful because in the end if they have got these players that are in six, seven, eight year contracts. Nicholas Jackson was the main man. He's great. And then suddenly he's in the bomb squad. And then he's not, ‘We want you back in’. So be careful because everybody now knows that's what happens. I promise you that's dangerous. When you treat workers like that, the other workers know this. Just be careful."

• Blues duo had summer options

  While many have sympathised with Chelsea's outcasts, winger Sterling reportedly had a chance to join Fulham on loan, as well as other offers abroad. Defender Disasi is said to have snubbed interest from Bournemouth and West Ham, but both are unlikely to play again until January at the earliest.

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  Chelsea aim to bounce back from Man Utd loss

  The Blues slipped to a hugely disappointing 2-1 defeat at Manchester United in the Premier League last weekend, so they will want to put that right on Tuesday night when they host League One promotion-chasers Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup.

Crystal Palace have now made an approach to sign an “incredible” defender, who is being targeted as a replacement for Marc Guehi.

Palace working on replacement for Eze and Guehi

It has been a difficult summer for Palace on the transfer front, with talisman Eberechi Eze leaving to join Arsenal, but it appears as though they have already secured a replacement, with Fabrizio Romano dropping some exciting news on Tuesday evening.

That said, Palace may still have some work to do before the deadline, given that Marc Guehi’s future remains up in the air, with the captain still expected to join Liverpool, although Manchester City were also recently named as potential suitors.

There has been talk about Man City’s Manuel Akanji heading to Selhurst Park, but the Eagles have also now made an approach for more of a left-field target.

That is according to a report from Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), which states Crystal Palace have made an approach to sign Juventus defender Lloyd Kelly, who is being targeted as a replacement for Guehi.

He's like Eze & Wharton: Big-money star keen on moving to Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace could seal a sensational late move by signing this £42m star.

By
Kelan Sarson

Aug 25, 2025

Oliver Glasner’s side have lodged an enquiry over Kelly, alongside Premier League rivals Sunderland, and there is a feeling that a deal could be possible, with the Italian club currently working on a deal to sign Paris Saint-Germain’s Lucas Beraldo as a replacement.

Having failed to adapt to life in Italy since making a £20m move from Newcastle United, the 26-year-old could well be on the move this summer, considering Beraldo joining Juventus is deemed ‘very possible’.

"Incredible" Kelly needs to leave Juventus this summer

It would be fair to say the Bristol-born defender failed to adapt to life in Italy last season, making just 12 Serie A appearances throughout the campaign, but he has proven himself in the Premier League in the past.

Indeed, the former AFC Bournemouth man was particularly impressive during his time with the Cherries, with ex-Bournemouth manager Gary O’Neil once praising him for a solid display in a 1-0 win against Liverpool.

O’Neil said: “I thought Lloyd was incredible. I think he had a 12-week ankle injury followed by a six-week calf injury. Didn’t have much time in between, and then came back today having not trained much, to play left back against one of the best wingers in the world.

“I thought he showed everything, the potential he has to be a top defender.”

If Kelly is to fulfill that potential, however, he needs to receive consistent game time, so a move to Palace could suit all parties, although the Juventus defender clearly isn’t currently on Guehi’s level, given that he is yet to be capped by England.

Lamine Yamal has reportedly felt discomfort in his pubic area once again after the Champions League game against Paris Saint-Germain. The 18-year-old was sidelined for three weeks due to the same injury and now his participation against Sevilla and his presence in the Spanish national team is doubtful.

• Yamal played full game against PSG

  After returning from the national team in September, Yamal missed three weeks of club football due to pain in the pubic bone. The Spanish Football Federation's (RFEF) management of his injury left Barca fuming, and manager Hansi Flick expressed his frustration publicly, gaining support from sporting director Deco. However, after returning from injury, he featured for a few minutes against Real Sociedad before recording a full-fledged outing against Luis Enrique's PSG three days back. 

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  Yamal to miss national team action as well

  According to , the club has indicated that Yamal might once again miss two to three weeks of action. This means he may be sidelined for the Sevilla game and may not be able to travel with the squad to Nervion. Moreover, he could miss the national team camp for the two World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria. Communication has been established between Barca and the RFEF.

• Spain coach slams Flick

  Spain national team head coach Luis de la Fuente has hit back at Flick's fuming comments over Yamal's injury management by the national team officials. The 64-year-old had previously stated that he is not interested in what the Barca coach says. And now, he has criticised the German over a lack of empathy. He said: "I was simply surprised by those statements because he was a national team coach, and I believed he had that empathy. Likewise, I say that he was a coach and knows how we players behave. That's what surprises me, that a former coach would have that opinion. We're playing for the World Cup, that's what's really important. The rest isn't important."

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  What can be Barca's front three in Yamal's absence?

  In Yamal's absence, Flick might be forced to use Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford and 2025 Ballon d'Or nominee Raphinha on the wings to help the lone Polish forward Robert Lewandowski up front. He has used a similar tactic in previous games and might switch back to the same against Sevilla. Other options on the flanks can be Ferran Torres or Roony Bardghji.

Steven Gerrard admits he is still haunted by failing to win the Premier League title with Liverpool, saying the memory of his infamous slip against Chelsea still rears its head from time to time. The Reds legend remains one of the greatest midfielders to ever grace the game but was unable to lead his boyhood club to a league title during an illustrious spell at Anfield.

• PL title was the only major club honour Gerrard failed to win

  Emerging through Liverpool’s youth academy in 1998, Gerrard established himself as one of English football’s most iconic players during his 17-year period on Merseyside. The midfielder scored 186 goals in 710 appearances in a trophy-laden spell which saw him lift two FA Cups, three League Cups and the 2005 Champions League amongst several other honours. However, the only major trophy Gerrard was unable to lift with Liverpool was the Premier League title, coming desperately close on a couple of occasions.

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  Famous Chelsea loss saw Liverpool concede 2013-14 title initiative

  Having finished second in the 2008-09 season, just four points behind eventual champions Manchester United, Gerrard and Liverpool put together another title tilt in 2013-14 under Brendan Rodgers. However, with destiny in their own hands as the club chased a first league title since 1990 at the time, Liverpool fell to a 2-0 home defeat against Chelsea on April 27, 2014, with Gerrard making an unfortunate error during the match. Dominating possession against Jose Mourinho’s stubborn Blues, Gerrard suddenly slipped as he failed to control the ball, leading to Demba Ba racing through on goal to put Chelsea in front. Willian then doubled Chelsea’s lead late on in a result which saw Liverpool lose control of the title race to Manchester City, who went on to win the league under manager Manuel Pellegrini.

• Gerrard is occasionally tormented by memory of Chelsea slip

  And while Gerrard says he generally does not think about his fatal slip against Chelsea, the 45-year-old has revealed that – along with mistakes he made with England on the international stage – he is occasionally tormented by mishaps which prevented him adding more gloss to what was a legendary playing career.

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• Revealed: Gerrard opens up on his mistakes during iconic career

  Speaking to the podcast, Gerrard opened up about the mistakes he made during his playing days, saying: “I'm not sure what comes up the most. I feel good speaking about the good stuff. Istanbul, Olympiacos, the FA Cup, you know… anyway, you feel great.

  “And when I do interviews or I see a clip on the telly or blah, blah, blah… and I see a s*** backpass I gave away for England, or I underperformed for England, missed a penalty for England, I feel s***.

  “The Chelsea thing is exactly the same. It makes me feel s***. It is what it is. I've got to live with it, I've managed it, I control it. Does it pop up every day of my life? No, it doesn't. Do I have to accept it and be man enough? Yeah, I can't change it.

  “But all the s*** moments I have in my career, they rear themselves every now and again. But so does the good stuff. So I have to take the rough with the smooth. But I hate losing football matches. I hate underachieving.

  “And I sit here now still here not winning the Premier League. Not just that year, every single year I competed in it. Because I felt at Liverpool, being the captain, I should have delivered that. So I have to take the responsibility and own that.

  “But I don't overthink about individual moments, good or bad. I just deal with them as and when they come up. But they do come in and out of my thoughts.”

Chelsea are now willing to pay nearly £87m to ensure they win the race for an “unbelievable” attacker in 2026, having identified him as a major target.

Blues willing to spend big on "unbelievable" attacker

With Cole Palmer recently spending time on the sidelines due to a groin injury, Joao Pedro has moved into a slightly deeper role, playing in-behind striker Liam Delap, but the Englishman has also now been ruled out for an extended period.

Enzo Maresca has confirmed Delap is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, saying: “Hopefully it’s not long, but this kind of case can be six, eight weeks.”

Subsequently, the Blues have now bolstered their attacking options even further by bringing in Facundo Buonanotte on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion until the end of the season.

However, given the nature of the deal, which does not include an option or obligation to buy, Buonanotte is unlikely to be a long-term solution in attacking midfield, and the west Londoners are now prepared to spend big to win the race for a Premier League star.

That is according to a report from Spain, which states Chelsea are now willing to pay almost €100m (£87m) for Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers, with a new approach for the attacking midfielder being planned for 2026.

Rogers was identified as a target during the summer transfer window, but they were unable to prise him away from Villa, who have set an asking price of £100m to deter potential suitors, with Tottenham Hotspur also thought to be keen.

Boehly ditched Chelsea's own Alexander Isak in "unbelievable" talent

The talented international could have an excellent season away from Chelsea.

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By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Sep 6, 2025

Several elite clubs are in the race for the 23-year-old, with the west Londoners identifying him as a major target off the back of an impressive 2024-25 campaign, but the Villans are hoping to retain their prized asset, suggesting negotiations could be tricky.

"Unbelievable" Rogers would provide Maresca with great depth

Buonanotte could be considered a strange signing, given that the 20-year-old has only joined on loan, but it may actually be a savvy move, given that there are few players in the world capable of displacing Palmer in the starting XI.

Consequently, it makes sense to have a younger back-up option, who may be more content with receiving limited game time, but that is unlikely to be the case for Rogers, who has established himself as a Premier League star at Villa.

Indeed, the attacking midfielder has received plenty of plaudits for his performances in a Villa shirt, with agent Hesham Bilal-Hafiz singling him out for particular praise.

Given that the England international is capable of playing on both wings, scoring 21 goals in 85 appearances on the left, he could also push for a starting spot out wide, meaning he would provide Maresca with great depth in attack.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot is in the spotlight in England after seeing his team suffer four straight defeats in all competitions. The results have brought talk of a 'crisis' at Anfield under the Dutchman, particularly after a big-spending summer transfer window, but the Liverpool boss is remaining calm and has plenty of experience of coming under pressure from the media.

• Liverpool in crisis after Man Utd defeat

  Liverpool were beaten again on Sunday as bitter rivals Manchester United earned a 2-1 win at Anfield and their first victory over the Reds on their home turf since January 2016. The defeat followed on from losses to Crystal Palace, Chelsea and Galatasaray which have seen Slot and his team come in for plenty of criticism. Liverpool's struggles come after a summer where the club spent over £450 million ($603m) on new players intended to push the squad to another level of dominance, including record buy Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez.

  Yet big-money buys Wirtz and Isak in particular have failed to live up to their lofty price tags, with both players yet to score in the Premier League for their new team. Club stalwarts Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have also frustratingly struggled in the early weeks of the season just months after penning lucrative new contracts to keep them at Anfield.

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  Slot not bothered by media scrutiny

  Slot has come in for plenty of media scrutiny but is remaining calm in the face of the criticism, according to the . The ex-Feyenoord boss "has even conceded privately that the Dutch media are much harder" than the English press, although it remains to be seen if he will change his mind if results fail to improve and difficult questions continue to arrive. 

  Yet Slot is not stranger to being in the spotlight. He faced plenty of criticism during his time in the Eredivisie and was called a "snake" after leaving AZ to join Feyenoord. Slot even has a tactic to deal with the current negativity which was inspired by cyclist Lance Armstrong. The Liverpool boss reportedly likes to smile at the camera when he's under pressure in the same way that Armstrong used to try and demoralise rivals when he was struggling for form.

• Fans blast Slot's post-match comments

  Slot admitted defeat to Manchester United was "hard to take" but went on to dub the Red Devils a "long ball team" after seeing defender Harry Maguire head home a late winner to secure a 2-1 victory at Anfield. Slot also seemed baffled that Ruben Amorim chose not to start Benjamin Sesko on Sunday, but his comments have not gone down well with supporters who have criticised his reaction to the defeat.

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• Big decisions looming for Slot

  Slot now faces some big calls when it comes to some of his underperforming stars as he bids to get his team back on track. The Liverpool boss has already been told to drop Salah by former defender Jamie Carragher. He said on : "I don't think Salah should be like a Virgil van Dijk where it's like 'first name on the teamsheet'. Liverpool have got two away games – in the Champions League at Frankfurt and then they go to Brentford.

  "I don't think Salah should start both of those games. He should always start at Anfield because Liverpool will be on top, around the edge of the box and more often than not he scores in those situations today. But I do think in the away games and helping your full-back, I don't think Salah should be starting every game right now, certainly away from home, with the form he's in."

  Slot may also be tempted to bench Isak after a disappointing start to life at Anfield following a summer move from Newcastle. Slot does also have Hugo Ekitike available, although he has not started any of the team's last three league games. Yet Ekitike boasts a record of five goals and one assist in 11 appearances for the Reds this season and will be eager to return to the starting XI.

With their sights set on the January transfer window, Newcastle United have reportedly already made an early approach about signing a 2026 target for Eddie Howe.

Newcastle's January transfer targets

Even though the summer transfer window just slammed shut, rumours are already beginning to arrive regarding potential 2026 deals. That should come as no surprise for Newcastle fans, however.

The Magpies endured a tumultuous summer before eventually welcoming the strikers that they so desperately needed, but were forced to take their focus away from other areas. Now, with Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa at the club, PIF have the chance to address the other concerns that Howe may have about his squad.

He'll outshine Woltemade: Newcastle machine can show why he's the new Isak

Newcastle begin their Champions League campaign with the tough test of meeting Barcelona at St. James’ Park.

By
Angus Sinclair

Sep 18, 2025

One of those could come in central midfield. As strong as Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton are together, there may be some concerns about the drop-off in quality when any of those three are missing. And whilst Jacob Ramsey’s arrival may help in that regard, those at St James’ Park are still eyeing improvements.

According to recent reports, Newcastle have set their sights on signing Kobbie Mainoo if the chance arrives in January. The Manchester United midfielder was denied the chance to leave Old Trafford on loan in the summer and was told by Ruben Amorim to fight for his place. Just how long he puts up with doing that is the question that Newcastle and others will have when the winter window arrives.

In a World Cup year, players who find themselves on the fringes of their current sides will be ones to watch. It’s not just Mainoo who’s struggling with that problem. Alongside him, Newcastle are also reportedly eyeing another England international.

Newcastle make approach to sign Gallagher

According to The Boot Room, Newcastle have made an approach to sign Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid in January. The Magpies have reportedly made contact asking to be kept informed about the England midfielder, who is growing frustrated by his bit-part role at the Spanish club.

If Atletico Madrid make the former Chelsea man available, then the likes of Manchester United, Newcastle and Crystal Palace are all reportedly ready to race towards his signature. Given that he just started against Liverpool in the Champions League, however, it seems as though Diego Simeone is still keen to find a place for Gallagher in his side.

A player who needs no introduction to English football, the 25-year-old once found himself at the centre of Gareth Southgate’s praise. The former England boss was pleased with how he worked his way back into the Three Lions’ set-up in a similar way to how he could now do so under Thomas Tuchel.

With Newcastle setting their sights on his arrival and the World Cup approaching, there’s no doubt that Gallagher is already one to watch for the January transfer window.

Arsenal ended up just about getting past Greek Super League champions Olympiacos in the Champions League on Wednesday, courtesy of strikes from Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.

For all the chances, possession and clear-cut openings created by Mikel Arteta’s side, they held a tender 1-0 lead for the majority of the 90, and goalkeeper David Raya was forced into a magnificent first-half save to keep them ahead.

Summer signing Viktor Gyokeres also had multiple chances to extend their advantage, but the Sweden international just couldn’t quite fire home on what was a frustrating night for him.

Arsenal’s control of the match never wavered, with club captain Martin Odegaard pulling all the strings in midfield and dictating the tempo throughout.

The Norwegian’s vision and passing range constantly stretched the visitors’ defence, creating numerous opportunities, particularly for Gyokeres, with the striker feeding off Odegaard’s excellent through balls but missing the final end product.

The £30 million star was very nearly rewarded for his efforts with a goal, but was unable to convert Bukayo Saka’s cut-back very late in the second half.

Instead, it was Saka who ended up putting the game beyond sight in added time, courtesy of another excellent threaded pass from Odegaard, with the England international slotting home through goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis’ legs.

Their routine win over Olympiacos was Odegaard’s first start after coming back from a shoulder problem, and boy did he deliver on a night where he absolutely silenced his critics.

In the build up to their Champions League clash, former Arsenal player Perry Groves suggested that Arteta should continue to bench Odegaard in order to send a message and help the ex-Real Madrid man rediscover his best form.

However, Wednesday’s heroics sent a clear message in return — the 26-year-old is still one of Arteta’s superstars.

Owen Hargreaves says Martin Odegaard has proved he's still Arsenal's star man

This is echoed by TNT Sports pundit Owen Hargreaves, who told the panel during last night’s broadcast that Odegaard was back to his “absolute best” against Olympiacos.

The £240,000-per-week playmaker now has Eberechi Eze to compete with for a place in the centre of Arsenal’s attacking midfield, alongside Ethan Nwaneri, who the Gunners wish to deploy more centrally rather than in the wide area like last season (David Ornstein).

Odegaard will undoubtedly be mindful of the growing competition for a place in Arteta’s starting elevens, but he appears to be staking his claim as an undroppable following last night’s sumptuous display and his assist against Newcastle last weekend.