Arsenal fans are all echoing the same sentiment about one player following their 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final on Tuesday (April 29).
The match, held at the Emirates Stadium, got off to a nightmare start for Arsenal as Ousmane Dembele struck just three minutes in, silencing the home crowd. Aside from Fabian Ruiz hitting the post, the first half was relatively quiet by PSG’s usual standards.
Just after the break, Mikel Arteta’s side thought they had drawn level when Mikel Merino headed past Gianluigi Donnarumma, but the goal was disallowed due to offside.
Throughout the game, supporters voiced frustration at one particular player’s performance.
One fan criticized: “Martin Odegaard is just frustrating to watch. He looks busy but there’s no end product. With his talent, we need more in crucial games like this.”
Another echoed the sentiment: “He’s just standing around—disappointing again. Someone with his ability should be unlocking defences.”
However, some defended him. A supporter pointed out: “Does no one notice his off-the-ball work? He’s orchestrating the press and leading by example, even if his stats don’t show it.”
Others suggested injuries might still be affecting him: “He hasn’t been the same since his early-season injury. His shooting and passing have dipped—maybe due to limited ankle mobility post-surgery.”
One fan quipped: “He’s got the ‘looking busy while doing nothing’ act down—would be great on a construction site.”
Commentator Alan Shearer also weighed in during Prime Video’s coverage, expressing disappointment in the Norwegian’s display and stating he expected more from him.
Odegaard was subbed off late for Ethan Nwaneri. The second leg is set for May 7 at the Parc des Princes.