When the lineup for Arsenal’s trip to Chelsea was released on Sunday, there was definitely a better mood among fans. Martin Odegaard was set to start, marking his return after eight weeks out with an ankle injury suffered while playing for Norway. Our season was about to be revived and all our prayers were answered.

In the first games since Odegaard’s injury, Arsenal’s Plan B worked phenomenally well, with goals from centre-back Gabriel, as well as Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka.

There was even some (brief) debate about Odegaard not returning directly to the starting lineup, particularly with fans pushing to see more of Ethan Nwaneri. But since then, Arsenal’s build-up play has become slow and stiff, making it very difficult to see where any goal threat could come from.

Arsenal improved a lot with Odegaard on the field on Sunday. Gabriel Martinelli’s goal came via a typical Odegaard pass and many would have felt the tide was turning in Arsenal’s favor from that point on, hoping the visitors would go on to secure their first Premier League win in four matches.

But the problem with Arsenal at the moment is that when one problem is solved, another seems to appear, like in a football match.

Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella did an excellent job neutralizing Saka on the right wing and Arsenal’s previously tight defense is now showing signs of weakness.

There are plenty of reasons to be positive now that Odegaard is back in the team, but that shouldn’t take away from the other areas where Arsenal need to regain focus.

If they are to make up ground on leaders Liverpool, they must delve into what brought them so close to the title last year, such as impenetrable defense and ruthless attacking football.

Odegaard’s return is only part of the solution.

Find more from Laura Kirk-Francis in the Firm Latte Podcast, external