Arsenal Drop Crucial Points as Odegaard Faces Heavy Criticism After West Ham Defeat
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal suffered a major setback in their Premier League title challenge with a 1-0 defeat to London rivals West Ham United on Saturday. The loss has sparked frustration among fans, with one player in particular facing the brunt of the criticism.
The Gunners remain in pursuit of league leaders Liverpool, managed by Arne Slot, and understand the importance of avoiding further slip-ups as the 2024/25 season progresses towards its conclusion in May.
Jarrod Bowen’s first-half goal proved to be the difference at the London Stadium, while Arsenal’s task became even more difficult after Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off for a foul on Mohamed Kudus near the halfway line.
With Bukayo Saka absent, Martin Odegaard has been expected to take on more creative responsibility. However, despite his reputation as one of the Premier League’s best midfielders, the Norwegian playmaker struggled to make an impact against West Ham.
Since making his permanent move from Real Madrid in 2021 following an initial loan spell, Odegaard has been a key figure in Arsenal’s transformation from top-four hopefuls to title contenders. However, without Saka alongside him, he has found it difficult to replicate the English winger’s influence, as demonstrated in his lackluster performance against a West Ham side sitting 14 places below Arsenal in the standings.
Operating in midfield alongside Declan Rice and Thomas Partey, Odegaard had 89 touches but failed to create any meaningful chances. He also struggled with his delivery, registering a 0% (0/6) crossing accuracy, while losing possession 20 times and completing just 86% (60/70) of his passes—limiting Arsenal’s attacking threat.
Following the defeat, Arsenal fans took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to voice their frustration, questioning Odegaard’s leadership in Saka’s absence.
One supporter wrote: “Odegaard’s performance as a leader since Saka got injured has been embarrassing.” Another added: “I hate to say it, but he’s been terrible this season. You need your captain to step up in difficult moments, but he’s been hiding.”
Some fans even suggested that Odegaard should be benched upon Saka’s return, with one proposing: “When Saka is back, drop Odegaard and start Ethan Nwaneri instead. He’s been an embarrassment and can’t step up when we need him most.”
Others criticized his passing, with one fan remarking: “Odegaard’s weight of pass isn’t good enough. The right-sided players always have to adjust their runs.” Another harshly stated: “I’ve never seen a weaker player than Martin Odegaard, he gets bullied in every game.”
With Arsenal’s title ambitions hanging in the balance, Arteta will need his captain to rediscover his best form quickly if they are to remain serious contenders.
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