William Gallas has backed Martin Odegaard’s decision to donate last weekend’s penalty against Bournemouth to Kai Hevertz.
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The summer signing from Chelsea has endured a difficult start to his Gunners career following his big-money move but did at least get off the mark in a 4-0 victory over the Cherries.
Mikel Arteta was branded ‘unprofessional’ by former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol for allowing Odegaard to pass the buck but Gallas believes it highlighted positive spirit and togetherness within the Arsenal squad.
‘I thought that was a good decision,’ Gallas told Gambling Zone. ‘That was the decision of a gentleman. Martin Odegaard is a gentleman.
‘That shows you how concerned Odegaard is about his team mates and the relationship that he has with them.
‘He knows that it has been a difficult start to Havertz’s Arsenal career. Havertz didn’t score any goals in his matches so far. It was the perfect thing for a captain to do in that situation.’
The Gunners face an acid test of their title credentials this weekend when they host champions Manchester City without, in all likelihood, the services of Bukayo Saka who sustained an injury against Lens in midweek.
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Minus their star winger, Gallas has implored Odegaard to assume more responsibility and put his stamp on a match of major significance.
‘I think in this match, Odegaard needs to show his quality,’ Gallas added. ‘We all know how talented he is, but these are the games where you’re looking for your big players to step up and make the difference.
‘These are the type of games where the top, top players show everyone that they are the best.
‘We’re looking for him to make a decisive contribution. He needs to score a goal, make an assist, or do both. It’s simple really.
‘That’s what we judge the biggest midfielders on that have played in the Premier League in the past. If Martin Odegaard wants to be considered among the very best, then he needs to deliver in the most important games.’
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