Arsenal fans have been left frustrated by Martin Odegaard, who is one of several players who haven’t been able to step up in recent weeks.
The Gunners have had very few of their key players available in the forward ranks as of late, with injuries biting Mikel Arteta in those areas.
With the gap in the Premier League growing at the very top following Arsenal’s draw with Nottingham Forest, plenty of supporters have looked at where it has gone wrong.
Some have come to a conclusion about Martin Odegaard, one which isn’t correct, even despite his recent struggles.
Arsenal fans are wrong about Martin Odegaard hiding
One accusation that has often been levied at Martin Odegaard is that he is hiding in the big games for Arsenal when he is needed most.
The Arsenal captain certainly isn’t stepping up with the sort of form needed to help pull the side forward in the Premier League title race, but it isn’t without trying.
Odegaard took 59 touches in the match and constantly looked to make things happen, though it only resulted in one big chance created.
In his time at the club, the playmaker has often been an integral part of the team and he, of all people, is unlikely to head home after his recent form pleased with how he has performed.
He has been a key part of the team’s rise and only a few months ago, many bemoaned the injury he suffered that kept him out for two months.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 19 | 2 | 3 |
Odegaard is one of the most important players in the team who is trying everything to help Arsenal in their Premier League title pursuit.
It hasn’t quite worked out so far but the 26-year-old certainly hasn’t been hiding from the responsibility on his shoulders.
That’s not to say he can’t improve and make one area better, in particular, heading into some more important games.
Martin Odegaard’s crossing and shooting is a big concern for Arsenal
Make no mistake, Odegaard has struggled in the latter half of the season so far, despite being the one Arsenal have turned to for that inspiration.
The main concern, along with a lack of goals and assists, is the general difficulty when it comes to crossing.
With Arsenal failing to create a lot from open play, their crossing is one area that could bail them out in games.
Odegaard completed just one of six attempted crosses against Nottingham Forest, which is a worry but could be down to a lack of movement from the right players in the box.
Shooting is another worry, as the playmaker failed to get a single shot off in a game where the side were chasing a goal.
He needs to find that quality once again to drag Arsenal through, though it is through no lack of effort.
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