Odegaard after Fulham draw

Arsenal fans turn on star man after key stat is revealed

(Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Arsenal gave their all in their match against Aston Villa on Saturday, but it wasn’t enough to secure a victory. Despite taking a two-goal lead, the Gunners were unable to see the game out, ultimately settling for a disappointing draw. The result is likely to leave Arsenal fans frustrated, as it is the kind of performance that raises questions about their title credentials. However, there were some positives, with a few players putting in commendable displays.

Unfortunately, Martin Odegaard was not among those who impressed. Much was expected from the Arsenal captain, especially in a crucial fixture, but he fell short of delivering the kind of performance the team needed. Odegaard’s chemistry with Bukayo Saka, a key part of Arsenal’s attacking success, was sorely missed. Without Saka, Odegaard appeared to struggle to influence the game in the way fans have come to expect from him.

According to Football Insider, Arsenal supporters expressed their disappointment in the Norwegian playmaker after the match, highlighting his underwhelming statistics. Odegaard made just two touches in the opposition area and failed to complete a single dribble throughout the game. These figures reflect an unusually ineffective outing for a player known for his creativity and leadership on the pitch.

Martin Odegaard of Arsenal runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Arsenal FC
Martin Odegaard of Arsenal runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Arsenal FC (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

As captain, Odegaard shoulders significant responsibility, and fans naturally have high expectations of him in every match. His performance against Aston Villa fell short, and it is understandable that supporters feel let down, particularly given the importance of the fixture. However, it’s crucial to remember that Odegaard is human and, like any player, can have off days. While disappointing, these moments are part of football, and even the best players experience dips in form.

Odegaard is fully aware of the importance of leading by example on the pitch, and his track record suggests he will bounce back strongly. Supporters can trust him to reflect on this performance and come back with the determination and quality he has consistently shown since joining the club. Arsenal’s captain remains a key figure for the team, and he will undoubtedly strive to do better in their next match.


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18 Comments

  1. He had off day, but he has been a player that gives his 110% on the pitch. He’s been Let down by others before, so he’s forgiven

  2. From day one, I always tells whoever care to believe that Odegaard is one of the most over rated players on earth. Arteta’s self made mad love on left footers has made his emotions to be cloud his sense of judgment. If Arsenal play smaller clubs, while the big work rates of the likes s of Partey, Saliba, Saka, Rice, Martinelli and few others will make us to easily over run them, it will appear as if Odegaard is doing marvellously well. However, against big opposition where every player must perform or average clubs that step up there effort, Odegaard will immediately disappear from the pitch and becomes invisible! He is left footed to a fault. This made him to be extremely one sided, which is not good for a big club.

    1. Well that is a complete character assassination in a couple of paragraphs of one our very best and most effective players, written almost troll like by someone just commenting to antagonise.. So, he is predominantly left footed, so what! Martinelli is predominantly right footed but you failed to mention that in your diatribe. I’m quite surprised that others on here haven’t called you out on your piece of drivel but then again they are likely ignoring you, like I should have done, which is the best way to deal with a troll.

  3. To be fair
    it Martin never hides, works his socks off and can’t do it for 90 plus mins 3 times a week. We need to use the squad. His pressing is immense, so is his touch. He needs to score from open play again to unlock his tension in finishing.

  4. To the fans that say Odegaard runs around a lot so what. That just cover’s up his overall play.

    I’m not saying he’s a bad player, he’s good but nothing more. Yet another example of being overhyped by certain fans.

    1. Sorreee for rating him, Derek
      To say that he hasn’t been a really good buy is ridiculous imo. Perhaps it’s because he was signed by the one dimensional Arteta.

      1. He’s been a great buy. If sold, Arsenal would get at least twice and perhaps even three times what was paid to acquire him. Just because he’s not been in great form recently and has been hit with the same unlucky stick (injuries to himself and others around him) so many others have this season (not to mention the club) doesn’t devalue his worth going forward.

      2. SueP,

        Don’t apologize for rating him, that’s your right.

        As is mine to say that he’s a good player but nothing more.

        And I agree with Ken1945, he shouldn’t be club captain. That honour should go to a certain Gabriel in my opinion.

        For me, I want a club captain to lead by example, rather than running his hands through his hair after wiping his nose constantly, and waving his arms in the air trying to gee up the crowd.

        He’s only scored 2 goals I believe and one of them was a penalty. And his assists have dried up, compared to what they were.

        But again SueP, no need for apologies’.😉👍

        1. There is a saying that form is temporary and class is permanent. As for his captaincy, I don’t know whether taking the honour away is desirable. I have no issue with Rice or Gabriel being the captain but neither do I see the necessity to change

  5. I don’t understand your views regarding Odegaard Derek.
    Of course he runs around a lot, as he always wants the ball.
    I’ve never seen him not running around, trying to make chances.
    My only problem with him is I don’t see him as a captain during a game – not when we have Gabriel, Rice and Partey out there (and Tierney before he was discarded).
    But to say he’s only “good” puts him on par with the likes of Merino or Vieira and that is patently not the case.
    So, when you say it’s covering up his general play, what cover up are you talking about?

  6. When we purchased Odergaard, I didn’t agree with it for many reasons. But he has proved to be a good purchace. Is he top top class? I would say No, because he doesn’t score enough for his position, he is totally left footed and plays in the same channel every game. The problem isn’t Odergaards ability, it is we rely solely on HIS ability. He isn’t under pressure in the team and he plays regardless. There is no variation and that is the managers fault. Odergaards work rate is phenomenal and he is a good player. I think some over rate him. When he helps Arsenal win a big trophy, that is the time we can say he is top top class. He has been below par this season. He hasn’t been the talisman we need.

        1. No, Reggie
          You described him brilliantly but blamed whatever you were blaming on the constraints of the team based on Arteta. As you have aired your views on Arteta at length, then is it fair to tar Odegaard? I have never thought of him as world class, but how many are? He is a highly valuable member of our team in my book.

          1. Sue, as it has been widely written, Odergaard plays down the same RH channel. The one person who can stop that is Arteta and he hasn’t.

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