Arsenal returned to action in the Premier League as the Gunners travelled to St James’ Park to battle Newcastle United.
Mikel Arteta’s side are on the hunt for redemption after dropping points from their previous two Premier League games.
After losing to Bournemouth, Arsenal were unable to return to winning ways against Liverpool, drawing 2-2 with Arne Slot’s squad at the Emirates.
Back on the road, the Gunners travelled to the North East to attempt to claim three points from Newcastle, a test that is far from easy to overcome.
Arsenal fans are missing Martin Odegaard
Despite an encouraging start at St James’ Park, it was the hosts who opened the scoring, seeing Alexander Isak head in an unstoppable cross from Anthony Gordon.
It was a goal that showcased attacking excellence rather than defensive instability, with the outcome being that the Gunners would have to come from behind to take the result back to the capital.
Early into the game, fans spotted how badly Arteta’s side were missing Martin Odegaard, with a lack of creative spark noticed by those watching.
“Other than Saka there’s not really any players who can create many chances out there. Miss Odegaard so much,” one concerned supporter said on X.
Another agreed by saying, “I actually don’t think guys get how bad in possession we’ve been without Odegaard.”
The Arsenal captain hasn’t been in action since match day three of the league season, with Arteta having to make do without his skipper.
“We are playing too slow it just goes to show we miss Odegaard in midfield,” a fan said, with others focusing on his temporary replacement, Leandro Trossard.
“Trossard is not effective as a CAM. We really miss Odegaard,” an opinion shared as another supporter said, “This Trossard role has run its course man, hurry back Odegaard!”
Supporters did not like what they saw at St James’ without Odegaard, as an expert playmaker was missing from the middle of the park.
While protesting against Arsenal’s lack of creativity, fans also stressed the importance of Odegaard’s presence for another reason.
“This team needs its permanent captain far too much. We are so fundamentally flawed as a pressing unit without Odegaard.”
When will Odegaard return from injury?
Fortunately, fans might not have to endure watching their side without Odegaard for too much longer.
While the Norway international was not fit enough to make the squad to face Newcastle, some reports have suggested that Odegaard could return against Inter Milan.
The Gunners travel to the San Siro for the Champions League blockbuster on Wednesday night, with all eyes expected to be on whether the captain features.
Fans are missing the 25-year-old dearly, turning the anticipation levels up ahead of the upcoming midweek clash in Milan.
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