Mikel Arteta gives verdict on Rodri’s horror challenge on Arsenal star Martin Odegaard

Mikel Arteta has brushed off Rodri’s dangerous tackle on Martin Odegaard over the international break.

Arsenal take on Leeds this weekend looking to continue their match-winning streak in the Premier League, which stretched to seven before the international break.

And it will mean keeping the key players fit, such as Odegaard who has been one of the star performers for the Gunners this season.

But there was a flashpoint over the break during Spain’s 3-0 win over Norway that saw Rodri fly into the playmaker after he took a shot on goal.

The Manchester City star missed the ball but got all of the man in a challenge that was not even looked at by the referee but left Odegaard wincing in pain.

In his first press conference since the international break ended, Arteta was asked about the tackle but he did not want to go into too much detail.

He said: “These things happen in football when they play against each other. But the rest of them are all good.”

Odegaard managed to brush off the challenge in the end and finish the 90 minutes but it gave Arsenal a scare that could have had a serious impact on their season.

The Gunners have 10 matches left in the Premier League and find themselves eight points clear of City, who will meet later this month.

And Odegaard, who is also the club captain, has missed just one match this season in the league, while contributing 10 goals and seven assists.

Losing the former Real Madrid star at this stage of the season would be a huge blow to Arteta, who was awarded the Manager of the Month award this March.

Arsenal won four out of four matches this month, including 14 goals and a late winner against Bournemouth through Reiss Nelson.

Speaking about the award, Arteta said: “For sure. We needed results and performances.

“We got them in various ways. Some games we had to react and push ourselves to the limit in others we were really dominant and won the game with a bigger gap.

“Probably Reiss’ goal [is the best moment]. That celebration and that hype.

“I’m especially pleased with the consistency the boys are showing.”