Understanding Martin Ødegaard’s Dip in Form: Three Reasons Behind the Arsenal Captain’s Struggles
Martin Ødegaard is undoubtedly a top-tier midfielder — among the best in the world. His talent is unquestionable, but even so, frustration among Arsenal supporters is beginning to build due to his recent performances.
Given his current form, their impatience isn’t entirely unwarranted. Ødegaard has managed just two Premier League goals this season — a concerning stat for someone expected to lead a title charge from midfield.
High expectations come with the territory for the Norwegian, especially after being named Arsenal’s Player of the Season two years running. But right now, he’s not reaching the levels fans have come to expect.
Take the recent Champions League semi-final first leg against PSG as an example: Ødegaard was largely anonymous, with French media branding him a “ghost” and accusing him of poor decision-making throughout the match.
However, a player of Ødegaard’s caliber doesn’t typically fall off without cause. Here are three possible explanations for his slump — and potentially, reasons to hope for a resurgence.
—
1. Lingering Impact of a Serious Ankle Injury
Rushed Return May Have Hindered Recovery
The clearest factor affecting Ødegaard’s performance is the ankle ligament injury he sustained while playing for Norway in the September Nations League fixture against Austria. Mikel Arteta later confirmed the injury was “significant.”
The setback sidelined Ødegaard from September to November, causing him to miss 14 games. Due to his importance to the team and a lack of alternatives in his role, he was thrust straight back into the starting XI and played nine consecutive league games. Apart from one match missed due to illness, he’s remained a constant presence since.
Ideally, a player would be eased back in, but the pressure of a title race didn’t allow for that. While Ødegaard hasn’t publicly stated he’s still dealing with pain, his performance metrics suggest ongoing physical limitations — with reduced goal involvement, creativity, and dribbling effectiveness, as well as fewer minutes played per 90.
—
2. Disrupted Chemistry With Key Teammates
Injuries to Saka and White Have Hurt Their Right-Flank Link-Up
Arsenal’s injury woes have extended beyond Ødegaard. Two of his most crucial attacking partners — Bukayo Saka and Ben White — have also faced lengthy absences.
Arsenal’s attacking rhythm on the right side relies heavily on the trio of Ødegaard, Saka, and White. Their understanding and movement — White’s overlaps, Saka’s threat, and Ødegaard’s orchestration — create one of the team’s most effective weapons.
But both Saka and White have been unavailable for large portions of the season. Saka missed 19 matches due to injury, and White was sidelined for 27 games and has since struggled to regain his place with the rise of Jurrien Timber.
As journalist Charles Watts highlighted, the disruption of that right-sided unit has heavily influenced Ødegaard’s form. Their impact was evident in April’s 4-0 win over Ipswich — the trio’s first Premier League start together in over five months — which brought back much-needed fluidity.
Arteta’s reaction to their reunion? A telling smile and the remark, “Unbelievable, eh?”
—
3. Life Off the Pitch: Becoming a First-Time Father
Personal Milestone May Be Playing a Role
Lastly, a less tangible but still relevant factor: Ødegaard became a father in December 2024, shortly after returning from injury.
While difficult to quantify, the responsibilities of new parenthood — especially for a young athlete — can impact sleep, focus, and routine. Even Cristiano Ronaldo has cited quality sleep as vital to peak performance. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has even publicly cautioned players in their twenties about the challenges fatherhood can bring to their careers.
It’s impossible to say with certainty that this has affected Ødegaard, but when assessing his form, it’s a piece of the puzzle worth considering.
—
In conclusion, while Ødegaard’s recent form has been below his usual standards, these three factors — a serious injury, disrupted partnerships, and new fatherhood — offer a broader context. With rest, recovery, and hopefully a more settled season ahead, Arsenal fans may soon see their captain return to his best.