By Kieran Horn

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Jamie Carragher has urged crucial Arsenal star Martin Odegaard to embrace a significant positional shift following his decisive contribution in the Premier League triumph over Newcastle United at St James’ Park. Mikel Merino and Gabriel Magalhaes secured the away side’s comeback with two headed goals after Nick Woltemade’s first-half opener. A week after the draw with Manchester City , Mikel Arteta’s men found themselves in a remarkably similar situation having to fight back from behind late on, though his personnel adjustments and tactical tweaks differed this time. The available players and those already on the field influenced that decision, but as the Gunners pressed for a leveller, Arteta lacked a recognised left-back. This resulted in Gabriel adopting a hybrid position as part of a three-man defence including William Saliba and Jurrien Timber, with four midfielders in front. Carragher subsequently offered an in-depth assessment of the formation and the pivotal contribution made by Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard. “In terms of the set up, what was really interesting was that Odegaard found himself deeper after [Martin] Zubimendi came off,” he said on Sky Sports Monday Night Football . “He went into that deeper role, he was fantastic and changed the game. In the build up to the first goal, Declan Rice is clever but he [Odegaard] is pulling the strings.” During his later analysis of Arsenal’s two strikes, he added: “I want to go back to this man, Martin Odegaard, who I think changed the game when he came on. He knows a pass from Declan Rice is coming so he is already scanning where he can hurt Newcastle. “He’s seen that space between the two Newcastle defenders and that is absolutely where his pass goes, can he thread the eye of the needle? Yes [he can]. Myles Lewis-Skelly has made that run.” Fitness problems have hampered the Norwegian’s 2025/26 season so far, though Arteta has possessed the personnel to cope with his unavailability. This past weekend, Eberechi Eze was utilised in a central role from the start for the first time since his summer switch from Crystal Palace . In the two matches where Odegaard has been withdrawn with a shoulder problem, Ethan Nwaneri has entered as his substitute. The Hale End academy product initially broke through on the right flank but is now viewed as a midfielder by Arteta. The Athletic subsequently revealed why that choice was taken, explaining that Arsenal felt towards the end of last season, Nwaneri had hit a bit of a wall in his wide development and performance. The Gunners felt defenders were wise to what he was trying to do and he’d be better served by being central. That’s certainly a fascinating approach considering he’d only enjoyed one campaign in the senior squad, but it would clarify the motivation for bringing in Noni Madueke from Chelsea . Nevertheless, it might result in his playing time being limited with Odegaard and Eze vying for the same position, although the former could flourish in a deeper role as demonstrated on Sunday and emphasised by Carragher. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.