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Mikel Arteta urges Arsenal leader Martin Odegaard to take risks in order to increase his inventive contribution for the squad.

The Norway midfielder's display in midweek's 2-0 Champions League win over Olympiacos highlighted his crucial importance for the London club.

Odegaard contributed in each of the goals, netted by Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, with boss Arteta granting the 26-year-old "full license" to express his ability after a uneven commencement to the season due to a shoulder joint issue.

Imagination is his nature.

The Spaniard added, "It brings no stress to him as it is his greatest ability to create opportunities that not many players can do.

"He enjoys my full autonomy from my side to explore, take risks, and feel the movement in how he creates gaps—and he has accomplished that the last two games."

Injury Setback and Comeback

Odegaard initially experienced the shoulder joint problem during the 5-0 Premier League win over Leeds, then hurt the exact shoulder when he tumbled clumsily following a challenge in the first half of the match against Nottingham Forest.

He sat out three fixtures but made a comeback as a bench player in the nail-biting 2-1 win over Newcastle on Sunday, where his vision and offensive initiative contributed in his squad's recovery.

Odegaard also provided the stoppage-time set-piece which centre-back Gabriel guided in to snatch all 3 league points at St James' Park.

Dominant Display Against Olympiacos

Starting against Olympiacos, Odegaard dictated the game alongside Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino and, in addition to creating opportunities, he was denied a finish by a excellent Konstantinos Tzolakis block and a follow-up intervention by back Panagiotis Retsos.

"He enjoys all the freedom in the world to go upfield," commented Arteta. "To operate with that autonomy and with that caliber of performance, level of menace.

"Not merely with the through balls; the way he was receiving the ball and moving the ball and making drives and showing up in threatening areas.

"He played three people clear to convert a finish, he could have scored a goal as well. Wonderful to have him returned, he played some excellent minutes in Newcastle to assist us triumph the match and I think [here] he was phenomenal."

Tactical Shift and Recent Additions

Arsenal have altered their approach of game this term, embracing a more aggressive approach to optimize their latest recruits and particularly striker Viktor Gyokeres.

The Swedish striker's strong burst into the box finished with Tzolakis deflecting the shot on to the upright and Martinelli tapped in the rebound for the early first goal.

It came after a pass from Odegaard, who said: "This is what I desire to do, especially with those offensive teammates, specifically with Viktor who is so proactive and always a threat.

"It is my job, to generate chances for them. I may have had a couple more set-ups, but we earned the win and I enjoyed it."