Arsenal fans were furious with Martin Odegaard’s second-half performance in their 3-2 win over Kairat Almaty in the Champions League.
Mikel Arteta’s team have cruised into the Champions League knockout stages after winning all eight of their group stage matches in the competition.
You pick: ________ should start in the number ten vs Leeds… 👀
Goals from Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli ensured that the Gunners collected yet another three points.
However, one man who did disappoint at the Emirates Stadium was Odegaard, who looked well off the pace against the team from Kazakhstan.
Arsenal fans demand that Martin Odegaard be dropped
Arsenal fans are demanding that Martin Odegaard be dropped for Arsenal’s next match against Leeds United.
The 27-year-old was brought on for Havertz at half-time, but the Gunners’ tempo and impetus dropped with him on the pitch.
Following the team’s defeat to Manchester United, Arsenal fans called for Odegaard to be stripped of the captaincy, as they were really unhappy with him.
The midfielder attempted 37 passes with an accuracy of 79 percent, and he also managed to lose possession on 15 occasions.
Odegaard should be worried about Havertz’s performance, as the German looked really good playing in the number ten role.
During the match, Arsenal fans vented their frustration towards their captain as he once again struggled in midfield, but this time against weak opposition.
One supporter claimed: “Odegaard’s career with Arsenal or at any top level should be over. He’s totally and utterly finished.”
What is the biggest factor behind Martin Odegaard’s recent struggles? 🤔
“I’m done with Martin Odegaard now. Enough chances, but he is doing nothing. Needs to go now,” stated another.
There were further question marks over the captain’s performance: “If we actually want to be a serious team again, we need to drop Odegaard.
“It’s a shame, but the team has moved past him. It’s clear as day as to why we haven’t scored any goals in this second half.”
Finally, another claimed: “I don’t think Odegaard is an untouchable player for us come the summer transfer window…”
Now, Arteta faces a key selection dilemma ahead of Leeds, and it’s clear that he must leave Odegaard on the bench at Elland Road.
Mikel Arteta on taking off Kai Havertz at half-time
Arteta has confirmed that the decision to take off Havertz at half-time was pre-planned before the match.
Seeing the German go off so early will have concerned supporters about another injury; however, the former Chelsea man is fine.
Speaking after the match, Arteta confirmed: “We planned that. We wanted to get him minutes in the best possible way.”
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