ARSENAL and Tottenham are both top of the Premier League.
The North London rivals are the only two unbeaten sides remaining this season.
And they even have the same goal difference, with Spurs first on virtue of goals scored.
But the other thing both sides have in common is that they’ve been inspired to the top by a midfield playmaker.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard continues to get better under Mikel Arteta, proving himself to be the real heartbeat of the side.
His value to the Gunners was seen just last month when he became their top earner on a new long-term contract.
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However, Tottenham have their own central wizard in James Maddison who joked that he loves to be the main man even at a family Sunday roast.
The former Leicester man has been a revelation under new Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou, proving his worth with silky dribbles and pin-point set-pieces.
But how do Odegaard and England ace Maddison stack up against each other?
Both men have played in all eight league games so far this term, with Odegaard clocking up 40 minutes more pitch-time.
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He leads the way in goals too, netting three times to Maddison’s two.
However, it’s the Spurs star who is king of the assists, setting up five goals to Odegaard’s one – and that's more than any other Prem player too.
It means Maddison has directly contributed to seven goals this season, with Odegaard involved in four.
The Norwegian has also taken two less shots to Maddison’s 23.
He has created 12 less chances too, with Maddison laying on 25 opportunities for team-mates.
Spurs’ Three Lions star has also made 20 more successful final third passes than Odegaard’s 151.
And Maddison’s 105 passes into the box trumps his rival by 57.
However, it’s Odegaard who’s proving to be more robust, winning 17 tackles to Maddison’s ten.
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He has also won possession in the final third ten times, with Maddison getting the ball back just six times.
As for the main man? It looks like Maddison's is simply different gravy at the moment… although there's still time for plenty more treats to be served up by both stars this season.
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