Martin Odegaard actually set two impressive records vs Man United – but it sums up Arsenal’s problem

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Arsenal’s attackers had a punishing afternoon at the Emirates in the FA Cup against Manchester United.

The Gunners fired 26 shots on goal, resulting in just one strike being converted through centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes.

Man United walked away victorious on penalties, seeing Arsenal crash out of the FA Cup at the earliest opportunity.

Mikel Arteta was warned about Arsenal’s attack after the game, in a fixture that saw the cracks in the squad burst open.

• READ MORE: Ruben Amorim singles out ‘really important’ thing one Arsenal player did during Man United defeat

Martin Odegaard set two 2024/25 records against Man United

Arsenal are lacking resoundingly in attack, with reinforcements surely needed in January if the Gunners are to challenge for silverware.

Kai Havertz had a night to forget against United, failing to score several clear chances, as well as missing the decisive penalty in the shoot-out.

The same goes for Martin Odegaard, who missed a crucial penalty in 90 minutes that could have won Arsenal the tie without the need to play extra time.

While Odegaard’s poor form in front of goal continued, it was actually a night of record-breaking for the Norweigan, whose creative dominance saw him reach a new level.

For the first time in the 2024/25 campaign, a Premier League player created ten chances and recorded two expected assists (xA), symbolising just how many chances the Gunners had to score.

The captain was at the heart of all things creative for the hosts but unfortunately, his night will be defined by his penalty miss in the second half and more concerningly, the underperformance of his teammates.

Odegaard did it all against Man United

At one point, some thought that Odegaard could be substituted due to injury as the skipper looked uncomfortable just before the interval.

While the numbers prove just how integral the 25-year-old was to how many chances Arsenal carved out against the ten men of United, what stands out above all is his penalty miss.

Odegaard’s form has been questioned by fans in recent weeks, making the result against United all the more agonising as penalty miss aside, the midfielder was instrumental.

It’s back to the drawing board for Arsenal and Odegaard, who will be hungry to make his influence count against Spurs on Wednesday night.