Captain Martin Ødegaard rose to the occasion in dramatic fashion, scoring a crucial 89th-minute goal to hand Arsenal a 2-1 victory over Southampton on the final day of the Premier League season. In a tense and fiercely contested match, Ødegaard once again showed why he wears the armband, delivering when it mattered most.
The Norwegian midfielder’s performance was lauded by fans and pundits alike. Calm under pressure and composed in his movement, Ødegaard orchestrated Arsenal’s attacking flow and capped off his display with a well-taken late strike that silenced critics and energized supporters.
Online reactions poured in immediately after the game:
“Ødegaard haters are deleting their drafts now,” one fan posted.
“Captain Fantastic. The real captain,” wrote another, while others gave a more sarcastic nod: “Finally found his shooting boots.”
Despite criticism over some underwhelming moments this season, many supporters defended the midfielder, reminding others that consistency is rare and Ødegaard remains integral to the squad’s identity. “To replace Ødegaard, you’re talking £80-100 million,” one fan argued, comparing him to Kevin De Bruyne.
This victory also marked an emotional sendoff for Kieran Tierney, who scored earlier in the match in what appears to be his final appearance for the Gunners. His contributions — both defensively and emotionally — were equally recognized, closing the chapter on a player deeply cherished by fans.
As Arsenal look ahead to the next season, Ødegaard’s heroics in this finale not only salvaged three points but reminded everyone of his leadership and impact when the pressure is at its highest.
