Perry Groves believes that keeping Martin Odegaard on the bench for a run of games could inspire the Arsenal captain to get back to his very best.

Arsenal conjured up yet another late goal in the Premier League at the weekend, with Gabriel’s injury-time header securing a 2-1 win over Newcastle.

And fresh off the bench after three games sidelined with a shoulder injury, it was Odegaard who provided the crucial assist from the corner in the dying moments at St James’ Park.

The Gunners’ skipper has been an ever-present figure in Mikel Arteta’s side, but an injury-affected campaign last season saw a noticeable decline in his goal involvements.

With Odegaard not yet back to full fitness, it was Eberechi Eze who was given his first league start in the No10 role, and former Arsenal player Groves sees no reason to take him out of that role after his impressive showing against Newcastle.

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