Arsenal Should Be Worried by Martin Odegaard’s Struggles vs Kairat

Arsenal’s 3-2 win over Kazakhstani minnows Kairat Almaty didn’t help allay fears that the Gunners might not see this season out with a trophy. For many, it also highlighted an issue that Mikel Arteta has regarding the form of one of his most important players.

Viktor Gyokeres put his side in front with a much-needed second-minute goal, but Portuguese forward Jorginho equalised from the spot for the visitors five minutes later. Normal service was resumed when Kai Havertz got on the scoresheet in the 15th minute and Gabriel Martinelli poked home a third in the 36th minute.

Kairat managed to grab a late consolation goal through Ricardinho in the 90+4th minute. But Arsenal claimed all three points to finish top of the Champions League table and with a perfect record.

‘Zero Creativity’ – Arsenal Man Worries Fans After Kairat Display

There was nothing perfect about Martin Odegaard’s second-half cameo appearance, and the Norwegian failed to impress. His usual ball-playing brilliance was missing, and he failed to find a teammate with any of his three crosses.

Odegaard came on at half-time and replaced Havertz, who impressed in midfield and managed to get on the scoresheet. His side looked less of a threat once he entered the fray and failed to add to their lead.

He has endured injury issues in recent years, and there are concerns that he isn’t the same player who lit up the Premier League during his early years at the Emirates. He has appeared 24 times across competitions, managing one goal and five assists.

The 27-year-old is meant to be the Gunners’ leader, but he hasn’t been at his best this season, and that included in the 3-2 loss to Manchester United last weekend. His struggles haven’t gone unnoticed by fans who vented their frustrations with his performance against Kairat.

One fan thinks there are problems with Arteta’s skipper: “Even against Kairat? Naaah Odegaard’s got some SERIOUS issues.”

Another was disappointed with his display: “Odegaard came on at halftime and did absolutely nothing.”

One suggested he had a negative impact after coming on at half-time: “We actually looked worse when Odegaard came on.”

Another went as far as to advise the North Londoners to sell their captain: “It pains me to say but I think we should Sell Odegaard come in the summer. We need to upgrade him.”

One wrote: “Odegaard came on and it went stale, please stay on the bench.”

Another supporter’s verdict was that the Norwegian shouldn’t start against Leeds United: “I genuinely think the entire fanbase will turn on Arteta if he starts Odegaard against Leeds on Saturday. We lose that game. No inspirational speech talk at the press conference will save him. He’s done.”

This was echoed by a fellow fan: “Odegaard need to be drop on the bench.”

One added: “As soon as Odegaard came on, Arsenal’s attack became a masterclass in doing absolutely nothing — endless safe passes, meaningless dribbles, and zero creativity. Completely harmless. Just hope Do not give him one minute any more!”

Odegaard has been a mainstay in Arteta’s side ever since he arrived at the club and remained an undisputed starter despite Eberechi Eze’s arrival last summer. But there are signs that some of the Emirates faithful have run out of patience with their skipper.

Do Arsenal Need a New Captain?

When Arteta handed the captain’s armband to Odegaard, he explained that the former Real Madrid man is a quiet leader who commands his teammates’ respect. But every time the going gets tough for Arsenal, he doesn’t exude a leadership demeanor, and this could be a major issue for the Gunners and their hopes of a successful season.

Odegaard’s captaincy was questioned by club legend Tony Adams back in August 2024 and their former captain urged Arteta to change skipper (via Indo Sport):

“I’m just saying he’s got an opportunity this year to actually turn into a winner. To win league titles, you have to be a Klopp, you have to be a Ferguson. You have to lead by example, you have to be a winner, you have to go about your business. And that reflects in your captain.

He added:

“And I’m seeing Declan Rice as a captain but I’m saying to Arteta: ‘Come on, step up now. It’s your time to be a winning manager and a fantastic manager, because you’re not going to win the league with Odegaard as captain.”

Declan Rice previously captained West Ham United before arriving at Arsenal in the summer of 2023. The English midfielder is a passionate character who is often seen galvanizing his teammates but also keeping them in check.