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Martin Odegaard demonstrated exactly why he was such a big miss for Arsenal when he returned against Chelsea. The midfielder, despite a disrupted calendar year due to injury, continues to top the creative statistics charts. Odegaard has created 62 chances from open play in 2024, three ahead of Blues midfielder Cole Palmer, while Liverpool winger Luis Diaz follows closely behind with 58. That is despite the Gunners superstar missing 15 top-flight matches through injury. Odegaard set-up Gabriel Martinelli's opener in the 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday - and created four chances in the match. Speaking on the captain's return, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said: “I don’t know any other player in the league that is capable of doing that after six weeks out. He had a day and a half, a training and a half. “Just physically and mentally to be connected the way he was with the team is unbelievable. ” Arsenal fans were worried as their captain, who also wears the armband for Norway, was recently called up for duty. But to their relief, he has pulled out and will continue his rehabilitation at Hale End. In 122 Premier League games, Odegaard has 31 goals and 24 assists, while also acting as a key leader on the pitch. Gooners continue to wait for a midfield three of Declan Rice, Mikel Merino and Odegaard - who are yet to start together. Arsenal fans may also be happy with the timing of the international break, after enduring a poor run of form that might have knocked them out of the title race. The north London club will have to make history to win their first title since 2004 as only Manchester City in 2020/21 have won the Premier League with as few as 18 points after ten games - a season in which Pep Guardiola had no close competitors. Many believe the missing creative outlet of Odegaard has been a significant factor, following an ankle injury he suffered while playing for Norway in September. Arteta’s side were unable to unlock mid or low blocks, often relying on Bukayo Saka out wide to be the creator, regularly sending in crosses in hope of Kai Havertz heading home. Despite having Gabriel Martinelli with blistering pace on the left wing, they lacked the transitional speed to catch teams unsettled in their formation as passes were often inaccurate and slow. This service is provided on talk SPORT Ltd's Terms of Use in accordance with our Privacy Policy.