Ian Wright defends ‘busy’ Arsenal star with Bukayo Saka comparison amid Champions League criticism

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Arsenal suffered a huge blow to their Champions League hopes by going down 1-0 to PSG in the first leg.

Ousmane Dembele’s fourth minute strike was enough to settle the match on the night as Arsenal struggled to break down a stubborn PSG defence.

Mikel Merino had a goal disallowed for offside just after half time and Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard forced excellent saves out of Gianluigi Donnarumma in the PSG net.

Myles Lewis-Skelly impressed the French media with his performance in the Champions League showdown but another Arsenal star came in for criticism among the fans. Ian Wright has jumped to their defence.

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Ian Wright defends Martin Odegaard amid criticism

Speaking on the latest episode of Wrighty’s House, the Arsenal legend has defended Martin Odegaard after strong criticism for his performance in the clash with PSG.

Arsenal fans want Odegaard replaced by Ethan Nwaneri for the second leg in Paris but Wright has pointed to not only Odegaard’s struggles but Bukayo Saka too up against a strong opponent.

Wright stated: “Martin Odegaard, he’s busy, he’s trying, he’s trying, but it’s not quite happening for him in respects of that final pass through at the moment.

“It seems to be getting blocked… It wasn’t [working down the right] for Bukayo or for Martin.”

The French media slammed Odegaard’s performance but the Gunners captain will not let criticism affect him and will be working hard to ensure his side can turn the tie around.

Martin Odegaard improvement will come with tactical tweak

Thomas Partey’s absence was really felt by Mikel Arteta’s side on a number of levels during the first leg defeat to PSG.

His defensive presence was missed for Dembele’s decisive opener, a space that the Ghanaian would usually command and prevent any threat to David Raya’s goal.

Odegaard was someone who really missed Partey’s ability to find him through the lines in little pockets of space and the Norwegian will be hoping that can happen in the second leg.

Partey’s return would also allow Declan Rice and Merino to play further forward, giving Odegaard more options to bounce passes off of and start creating chances like Arsenal fans know he is capable of.