Darren Bent says it’s really unfair what’s happened to one Arsenal player recently

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Arsenal will be desperate to put on a show against Leeds United after their opening-day performance against Manchester United. 

Surprisingly, the discourse around Arsenal’s win over Man United has been more negative than positive. 

Though the Gunners started the Premier League season with a win, Mikel Arteta’s side had an overly poor performance, which has pundits talking. 

Several players endured a difficult start to the season, but one star’s problems began before a ball was even kicked. 

Darren Bent thinks Martin Odegaard criticism is unfair

Going into the opening day, there was a lot of talk about Martin Odegaard. 

The narrative began as Tony Adams admitted he didn’t want Odegaard to be captain, instead believing that Declan Rice should take on the duty. 

Arteta responded to the Arsenal legend’s doubts, revealing that the squad unanimously chose the Norwegian to retain the armband. 

Some have agreed with Adams’ view of Odegaard, but others have disagreed.

For the player himself, the discussion would’ve come as an unpleasant shock, with Darren Bent admitting he feels for the attacking midfielder. 

Speaking on talkSPORT, Bent drew attention to Odegaard’s struggles on the pitch, as well as the noise coming from him being captain. 

“He had the big ankle injury last season. He never recovered from that. Never looked the same player. Pre-season, I don’t think he looked as sharp as we’ve seen him before.

“Against Manchester United, although he was better, he still wasn’t at the level I believe we know Martin Odegaard can get to.

“We know he’s had a lot of criticism about the armband from Tony Adams, which I don’t think is fair. It’s hard coming from such an iconic Arsenal player.”

Bent doesn’t think Adams’ criticism has been ‘fair’ on the playmaker, who has had the pressure piled on him just as the new season has begun.

Odegaard needs a solid Premier League season

Though the Man United performance was underwhelming for Arsenal, Odegaard managed to write himself into club history. 

Ironically, given the discussion about his claim to captaincy, the 26-year-old became the Arsenal captain with the joint-second highest wins in the Premier League, drawing with Patrick Vieira.

What the Norwegian can’t escape is the need for him to have a good season, as his numbers are on a decline.

The playmaker built his form up over two seasons before hitting a peak campaign in 2022/23, contributing to 22 Premier League goals as Arsenal established themselves as title contenders.

Since then, things have slipped, with the tally lowering to 18 goal contributions the season after, with last term’s 11 goal contributions simply not good enough.

No one will know that things need to improve more than Odegaard, who will be eager to get back to his best amid criticism.