Calls have emerged for Arsenal to remove Martin Odegaard as captain and name a new leader.
Mikel Arteta’s side now faces an uphill battle to reach the Champions League final after falling 1-0 to PSG at the Emirates in midweek, with Ousmane Dembele netting an early goal.
Odegaard, in particular, faced criticism for a lackluster showing, completing just 20 of his 27 passes—his lowest tally in a game this season. As a result, some Arsenal supporters have suggested he be benched for the pivotal second leg at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday.
Former Match of the Day pundit Mark Lawrenson has taken the criticism further, arguing that Odegaard should be relieved of the captaincy, a role he’s held since 2022. Lawrenson, a five-time First Division champion and European Cup winner with Liverpool, believes the pressure of the armband is impacting Odegaard’s form.
In an interview with Paddy Power, Lawrenson suggested that Declan Rice, who captained West Ham United before joining Arsenal, would be a better fit for the role.
“Odegaard should have the armband taken off him so he can focus on getting back to his best,” Lawrenson said. “He’s a quality player, but this season he’s only been a six out of 10.”
He added, “If you give the armband to Rice, it likely wouldn’t affect his game, and he has experience leading a team. It could help Odegaard regain his top form.”
Before facing PSG in the return leg, Arsenal will look to strengthen their grip on second place in the Premier League when they host Bournemouth at the Emirates on Saturday evening.