The NextGoalWinner POTM awards are back!

This month saw the return of club football after a hugely entertaining month of international competition, and as a result so does the NextGoalWinner awards for both the Premier League performance, and across Europe’s top 5 leagues. This month is also a special, as due to the half-month of November and also December, we have extended the award across both months, meaning this months recipient can technically be classed as a double winner.

This months winner comes from one of the most creative and exciting talents in the whole league this season, and his performances are just the icing on the cake for his side. Martin Ødegaard has been a leader for Arsenal in his creative play and also helping create for those in front of him. Across 4 games in November/December, the Norwegian made 6 goal contributions (3 goals-3 assists), and is hugely deserving of the award heading into the new year.

If you have anything to add to our NextGoalWinner POTM decision, or disagree with our pick, head over to Twitter (@NextGoalWinBlog) and let us know what you think.

Match By Match

November 6th: Chelsea 0-1 Arsenal – In what could be a huge result come the end of the season, Arsenal picked up a big 3 points against rivals Chelsea. Although not battling with one another for league position, this rivalry still means plenty to both sides, and it was the impressive Arsenal who picked up the points thanks to Gabriel bagging the winner. Ødegaard had his least impactful performance of this run in the game, as he was kept very quiet by the Chelsea defensive unit. Only creating 2 chances and getting 1 shot (off target), he struggled to link up with the trio of Martinelli-Jesus-Saka, and so they will be thankful for the headed winner from their centre back.

November 12th: Wolves 0-2 Arsenal – In the final action before the World Cup break, Arsenal and Ødegaard signed off in style, with a brace for their captain and to head into the extended layoff in style. With his nation not involved in the winter tournament, Arteta will look to get their creative spark wrapped in cotton wool and fresh for the second half of the season upon the return of club football. In this game, Ødegaard was man of the match due to not only his scoring of both goals, but also 100% accuracy in shots, dribbles, long balls and his overall play.

December 26th: Arsenal 3-1 West Ham – In their first game back post-World Cup, many questioned what Arsenal would be like as the pressure builds each week with their lead at the top always being under pressure. This pressure was huge as they went in at half-time 1-0 down to West Ham, however in the second half, Ødegaard played creator on 2 occasions to ensure the 3 points went Arsenal’s way, and they maintained a winning run. With his second of 3 man of the match performances, Ødegaard created the most chances, completed the most dribbles and maintained 100% shot, cross and long ball accuracy.

December 31st: Brighton & Hove Albion 2-4 Arsenal – Finishing up the year in style as Arsenal maintained top spot, and overcame a potential banana-skin team in De Zerbi’s impressive Brighton side. Getting a dominant lead early, things remained comfortable throughout, with Brighton’s 2 coming more as consolation than anything else. Ødegaard himself made it 6 goal contributions from 4 games either side of the World Cup, as he added his 3rd goal and 3rd assist of the extended period. Showing no signs whatsoever of slowing down, Arsenal and Ødegaard remain as dominant as they left off in this second half of the campaign.