Paul Merson hails Martin Odegaard’s sublime assist against Brighton

Paul Merson has praised Martin Odegaard, comparing his vision on the football pitch to that of Ronnie O’Sullivan.

Odegaard was named man of the match for the second successive game as his influence ensured Arsenal came through a tough test on the south coast against Brighton.

The Norwegian scored one and converted another, with Gabriel Martinelli clinging to his ball over his wonderful ball over the top, as Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to seven points.

Martin Odegaard was named man of the match for his display in Brighton – his miraculous pass around the corner was the highlight.

“When you talk about people seeing images, Martin Odegaard knows what he’s doing before this ball comes, he knows what he’s doing and Martinelli knows what he’s doing and he’s out.” He is running full speed with the ball.

‘That’s Ronnie O’Sullivan in football, he’s looking at the boats and that’s what Martin Odegaard says. A lot of people don’t see that pass, he’s probably the only player on the field who sees it.

“Kevin de Bruyne sees it, Odeegard sees it, but I don’t think any other Premier League player sees it open.”

Odegaard’s pass around the corner and over the top for Gabriel Martinelli was hailed by Paul Merson

On Arsenal in general and their title chances after seeing them extend their lead at the top, Merson said: ‘It’s good to see them. It’s no coincidence, it’s not like we’re sitting here scratching our heads.

“You have to look at Man City, the one we’re talking about, as the only team that can chase them down: they lost at home to Brentford and they’ve drawn at home to Everton, who are on a losing streak.” It’s not like they’re breaking it too.

‘They were games they were expected to win. That’s where when you talk about expected goals, I look at expected games you should have won and it’s two games you should have won. That’s where five points are lost.

“At the moment, I don’t see anyone stopping Arsenal.”

Martinelli celebrates with fellow scorer Bukayo Saka after scoring his team’s fourth goal

Alan Smith praised Arsenal for their performance but said “everyone” still believes Manchester City will continue to win the league.

“None of us thought this would be possible at first and it’s such an unusual situation, they’re seven points clear, but everyone still thinks Man City will win it.” But if they can beat City then you might start to believe,” Smith said.

“The wheels broke down at the end of last season, the Spurs game and the Newcastle game when they just didn’t show up, they ran out of gas, their team was stretched to the limit.

Odegaard had scored earlier in the evening, doubling Arsenal’s lead minutes before half-time.

They are in a better position this season in terms of strength in depth and I think they are more mature. They have learned from last season, they are one year older and one year wiser.

Arsenal’s victory ensured that they joined Liverpool, Fulham and Manchester United in becoming the only teams to achieve two post-World Cup wins.

The Gunners host Newcastle on Tuesday as they tried to take a 10-point lead, with Manchester City playing 24 hours later.

“They’re right,” Merson said of his title chances. “This is not a coincidence, they are where they are because they are a very good football team.”