'That is Ronnie O'Sullivan in football': Paul Merson hails Martin Odegaard's sublime assist against Brighton and compares him to Kevin De Bruyne - and insists 'I don't see ANYBODY stopping Arsenal' as they go seven points clear 

Paul Merson has hailed Martin Odegaard - likening his vision on the football pitch to Ronnie O'Sullivan. 

Odegaard was named man of the match for the second consecutive game as his influence ensured Arsenal passed a tough test on the south-coast against Brighton.

The Norwegian scored one and made another, with Gabriel Martinelli latching onto his ball over his wonderful ball over the top, as Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to seven points. 

'When you talk about people seeing pictures, Martin Odegaard knows what he is doing before this ball comes he knows what he's doing and Martinelli knows what he is doing and he's away. He is running with pace full pelt with the ball.

'That is Ronnie O'Sullivan in football, he's looking at the pots and that is what Martin Odegaard. A lot of people don't see that pass, he is probably the only player on the pitch who sees that.

'Kevin de Bruyne sees it, Odeegard sees it but I don't think any other player in the Premier League sees it open up.'

On Arsenal generally and their title chances after watching them extend their lead at the top, Merson said: 'They’re good to watch. It’s not a fluke, it’s not like we’re sitting here scratching our heads.

'You’ve got to look at Man City who we’re talking about as the only team who can chase them down - they lost at home to Brentford and they’ve drawn at home to Everton who are on a bad run. It’s not like they’re ripping it up as well.

'They were games they were expected to win. That’s where when you talk about expected goals, I look at expected games you should have won and they’re two games they should have won. That’s where five points are dropped.

'At the moment, I don’t see anybody stopping Arsenal.’

Alan Smith praised Arsenal for their performance - but said that 'everyone' still believes Manchester City will still win the league. 

'None of us thought this was going to be possible at the start and it is such an unusal situation, they're seven points clear but everyone still thinks Man City are gonna win it. But if they can beat City then you might start to believe,' Smith said.

'The wheels came off at the end of last season, the spurs game and the newcastle game away when they just didn't turn up they ran out of gas their squad was stretched to the limit. 

'They're in a better position this season in terms of strength in depth and I think they're more mature. They've learned from last season, they're a year older and a year wiser.'

Arsenal's victory ensured they joined Liverpool, Fulham and Manchester United in becoming the only sides to have grabbed two wins post-World Cup. 

The Gunners host Newcastle on Tuesday, as they bid to go 10 points clear - with Manchester City playing 24 hours later. 

'They are right in it,' Merson said of their title chances. 'This is not a fluke, they are where they are because they are a very good football team.'