# Rooney Praises Odegaard’s ‘Desire’ as Arsenal Midfielder Dictates Chelsea Clash

> By  · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07
> https://lesportifplus.com/en/2026/09/07/rooney-praises-odegaards-desire-as-arsenal-midfielder-dictates-chelsea-clash/

## Summary
Wayne Rooney praised Martin Odegaard's performance for Arsenal against Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, crediting the midfielder's desire and composure for allowing him to control the game. The Match of the Day pundit's analysis highlighted Odegaard's influence on Arsenal's midfield play during the London derby.

## Key points
- Wayne Rooney analysed Martin Odegaard's display for Match of the Day
- Match took place at the Emirates Stadium between Arsenal and Chelsea
- Rooney credited Odegaard's desire and control for shaping the game

Wayne Rooney has praised Martin Odegaard’s performance for Arsenal against Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, highlighting how the Norwegian midfielder’s drive and composure allowed him to dictate the flow of the match. The Match of the Day pundit broke down Odegaard’s role in his post-match analysis of the London derby.

## What did Rooney say about Odegaard’s performance?

Rooney focused on the intensity and desire Odegaard showed throughout the fixture, arguing that this appetite for the ball and willingness to take responsibility in tight areas allowed him to steer Arsenal’s play against a determined Chelsea side. According to Rooney’s breakdown, Odegaard’s movement between the lines and sharp decision-making repeatedly disrupted Chelsea’s defensive shape, giving Arsenal a platform in midfield.

> Odegaard’s desire to get on the ball and control games is what stood out, the pundit said.

## Why does Odegaard’s control matter for Arsenal?

Odegaard has long been viewed as the creative fulcrum of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side, and his ability to take charge of matches at the Emirates has become a recurring theme in pundit analysis. Rooney’s assessment reinforces the idea that the Norwegian’s influence goes beyond assists or goals, extending to his capacity to control tempo and pull opposition players out of position during high-stakes encounters like this one against Chelsea.

## What does this mean for Arsenal going forward?

Performances of this nature from Odegaard are likely to strengthen his standing as one of the Premier League’s most influential midfielders this season. For Arsenal, having a captain capable of imposing himself in marquee fixtures against rivals such as Chelsea adds a layer of reliability to their title ambitions, with pundits like Rooney continuing to point to his game management as a key differentiator.

## Source

- [BBC Sport Football](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/videos/c8e34k1r3j9o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) — BBC Sport Football

## Sources
- [BBC Sport Football](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/videos/c8e34k1r3j9o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss)