Gabby Agbonlahor suspects Mikel Arteta will drop one of Arsenal’s most important players this season

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Aston Villa icon Gabby Agbonlahor shared a strong opinion about one member of the Arsenal squad. 

Agbonlahor has shared some strong opinions on Arsenal before, taking aim at Mikel Arteta’s struggle to win silverware.

The former Premier League striker shared another bold view he has on the Gunners when being prompted to react to Tony Adams’ opinion on Martin Odegaard being captain.

Agbonlahor agreed that Odegaard should lose captaincy in favour of Declan Rice taking the armband, but that wasn’t the only view on the Norwegian he gave. 

Gabby Agbonlahor thinks Martin Odegaard will be dropped

Speaking on talkSPORT, Agbonlahor weighed in on Odegaard, warning that if the midfielder failed to up his standards, he could be dropped by Arteta. 

“Last season, Odegaard was not at the level; this season, I see Nwaneri taking Odegaard’s place. I really do.

“I feel like we saw more and more last season, Odegaard getting taken off when Arsenal needed a goal.”

Agbonlahor referenced Odegaard’s poor form last season as a reason to strengthen Ethan Nwaneri’s claim to the starting XI.

It’s an interesting take, especially as over pre-season, it became clear that Nwaneri has to be played in the number ten role, the position currently inhabited by his captain. 

Overall, it has to be said that the sudden criticism of Odegaard is rather harsh, given that, despite his disappointing form in front of goal last season, he was a top performer in other areas. 

Odegaard’s goal contribution has to improve

Very few Premier League players in the Norway international’s position could keep up with his per 90 averages last term.

It’s telling of Odegaard’s standards that he received so much criticism last season, though some of the frustration from fans was justified.

In the 2022/23 season, Odegaard treated Arsenal to 15 Premier League goals, as well as contributing seven assists.

The campaign after, the number decreased to eight and last season, it hit a low of just three goals scored.

For a player of his calibre and as a firm starter under Arteta, Odegaard really needs to get his numbers back up to a suitable figure, with Nwaneri and other positional rivals there waiting.