Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has missed a significant number of matches this season due to injuries, and his place in the starting lineup has been widely debated among supporters. During his absence, Eberechi Eze stepped into the midfield and produced several impressive performances, prompting discussions about whether the team had found a ready-made replacement.
Eze’s Rise During Odegaard’s Absence
As Eze excelled, some fans and pundits openly suggested that he should permanently take Odegaard’s role, especially with the Norwegian linked to interest from Barcelona. A portion of the Arsenal fanbase even felt that cashing in on Odegaard might be a sensible move, given Eze’s strong form and seamless integration into Mikel Arteta’s system.
Odegaard, however, has now returned to full fitness after nearly two months on the sidelines, and Arteta has made it clear that the midfielder remains central to his plans. The Arsenal manager has long valued Odegaard’s technical quality, leadership and consistency, and wasted no time reintegrating him into the starting eleven.
Odegaard Responds With a Strong Performance
The Norwegian international started against Aston Villa and delivered one of Arsenal’s standout performances on the day. His control of the midfield and his creativity were evident, drawing praise from former Arsenal defender Martin Keown.
Speaking via Metro Sport, Keown said: ‘He was out for ages but came in and controlled things in midfield today. He also had two or three really good efforts where he could’ve scored. A lot of people were saying he shouldn’t get back in the Arsenal team with Eze’s form but he’s proved them wrong.’
Odegaard’s display served as a timely reminder of his importance to the team and may have put an end, at least for now, to the debate surrounding his place in the side.
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Martin and me saw two different games. He wasn’t bad but he was no way MOM. If his game today was worth a special mention, then our expectations can not be high.
Agree 100% with you Reggie. Odegaard slows our game with too many touches, sideway and back passes. Eze doesn’t get on the ball too many times but occupies positions much nearer to the opposition goal and plays quick one touch passes.
I thought Ødegaard got POTM award yesterday.
He did, from Keown. Thats the point.
Villa’s midfield completely overran us today.
Eze switched off and gave Cash far too much space for the goal. Saka was also below his usual standard—losing possession repeatedly and slowing our transitions.
The hesitation to play the ball into Gyokeres says a lot about Arteta’s tactical instructions, and it’s becoming a real issue.
We got what we deserved from that performance.
Unfortunately, it feels like we’re staring down another failed trophy attempt.
So leading the league by two points equates to ..staring down another failed trophy attempt????
Yep, that’s Arsenal finished; the only way is down from now on. All those weeks in the lead was only a mirage, when the truth was there for us to see if only we had bothered to look A disaster movie in the making for Prime😱.
That was the worst performance from Arsenal again A. Villa.
Please, when will Saliba and Gabriel be fit to play as a partner again?
That is my only concern
Not this year for sure.
So why did we only lose to a 95th minute scrambled goal then LP?
You make it sound as if we were humiliated.
I do agree that Eze was at fault and Mikel rectified that at half time, while Saka has been off the boil for a while now, you know during our unbeaten run.
If someone like Pep says he’s still learning the game, then I’m quite relaxed about Mikel saying the same thing.
I don’t take much notice of anything Keown has to say really. Although I realize I’m contradicting myself by responding to this post😂.
But just to say, Keown’s love for his time at Arsenal just blinds him to many things regarding Arsenal.
His bias knows no bounds. Just listen to him on Talk sport, and his constant verbal battles with Simon Jordan.
Love you’re club by all means, but call them out when necessary.
So because Keown doesn’t share your personal agenda it means he is blind.
You have displayed unnecessary negativity against Odegaard before and it is quite clear that you are prejudiced.
Keown is his own man and will call things as he sees fit.
Yet another post from David, spilling his bile towards people. Derek is entitled to HIS opinion without attack on himself. But its usual fair from you. Just sad.
Likewise Reggie, David has his views and can express them surely?
I don’t agree with him or Derek on occasions, but that’s what JA gives us, a platform to debate and that’s what David is doing.
I find Martin Keown a breath of fresh air after listening to all the other Arsenal critics on Tslks**t etc.
NO KEN!!!!! He doesn’t have his views, thats the point. His view is to slag the person off, instead of debating the topic. He is nothing but a keyboard warrior, without ANY view. Debate the topic, NOT SLAG THE PERSON OFF.
And thats the point Ken, its about Martin Keowns views, whom I love but that doesn’t mean, you slag the individual who has his/her views. David is a poor poster, with an agenda. Big difference. We are not even sure he is David?
What I have stated is quite consistent with comments that Derek here has made about Odegaard. So you and the rest of your gang can get lost with your hypocrisy.
What an awesome opinion that leaves virtually no room for debate. We certainly need more comments of this caliber on JA. Bravo!
But David, Dereks comments were about Odergaard and Keown, NOT the person who wrote the post!!!!!!!
Didn’t you call Tony Adams disgraceful on an Article because he said something about Arteta?
David – the gift that keeps on giving
Oooooops is that Hypocritical?
Pot, kettle and all that.
How would you feel about being called vile then Reggie?
David,
Where in my post have I said that Keown isn’t entitled to his opinion, of course he is. All I was saying is that he’s so biased.
Sometimes things need to be called out, even if it does leave a bad taste in certain poster’s mouths.
Bringing back Odegard into the team costed us a lot, those back passes he makes so often slow the rhythm and makes the opponent plan and reorganize, it would have been wise for him to start from the bench, there is also no reason why Merino should start yet our real striker is in good shape, defenders don’t give respect to Merino but Gyokeres’ presence causes panic to any defense in the premier League.
Reggie, I probably disagree with David as much as you do, but I defend his right to reply to Derek’s post.
I’m not sure what you mean about him being David, perhaps you can explain further.
Having read Derek’s initial post again and then David’s reply, I see where you are coming from, especially as Odegaard is mentioned for some reason by the latter.
Having had disagreements with David myself, I understand the frustration he causes – I’ve decided to refrain from getting involved with him again.
Its Davids attention to character assassination not his right or not to reply. He just needs to stick to the subject matter.
And Ken, Martin is biased, he admits it. Derek has pointed out, that being biased, is not always a good thing as far as good reading of situations. He is right.
I agree one side but the cap is outstanding only that the mistake was collision. Of which one was to be benched and let the wingers do their role and let everyone who can cross the ball into the box always do and so believing in G. Jesus and gyokores that is where we went wrong. Thanks.
Odegaard contributed to the game…..was on the ball particularly in the second half. Held back on his defensive duties though.
Declan Rice was my MOTM….ran himself to a standstill for our team . Had one good chance that he scuffed but otherwise brilliant. He must get a break now or he will be the next to fall to injury.
We lost our shape in injury time…..lost our composure defensively. Gio Trappatoni told us once here in the ROI that every throw ball was crucial…..its the small things that count ! If Hincapie (who played well in the second half ) had not run the ball out of play giving up ball possession in injury time , we probably would have held the point.
Wow, I didn’t expect my post to cause such a conversation. But that being said, I’ve enjoyed it all the same. Good evening guys, by the way. 😂👍