Martin Odegaard’s Challenging Campaign: Has Arsenal’s Maestro Lost His Spark?

As Arsenal press forward in their hunt for European glory, debate is swirling over the form of their captain, Martin Odegaard, and the team’s trajectory under Mikel Arteta this season. Amid a Premier League campaign that many fans and pundits see as underwhelming, Odegaard—once a beacon of Arsenal’s creative renaissance—now faces mounting scrutiny for what some describe as a conspicuous performance 'drop-off'.

The tension came to a head following Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home against Brentford, a result that leaves Arsenal trailing Premier League leaders Liverpool by ten points. Hopes of ending Manchester City’s domestic dominance have faded, and according to Manchester United legend Gary Neville, the Gunners have "gone backwards" rather than progressed this season. Speaking to NBC Sports, Neville asserted, "If they win the Champions League then all will be forgiven... but otherwise their league performances have been a big let down." He pointed to weaknesses in recruitment, citing a lack of depth up front and the downturn in Odegaard’s influence as key issues undermining Arsenal’s title credentials.

Odegaard’s statistical output tells part of the story. The Norwegian midfielder has contributed five goals and eight assists from 35 appearances this season—a stark contrast to last year’s 15-goal haul. As Jermaine Pennant, former Arsenal winger, noted, "he set his bar so high within the last probably three years where he’s done so well and now once you kind of drop off, everyone notices." Pennant added, "His performances have not been as good as previous seasons and unfortunately for him, because he set the bar so high, everyone expected that consistency. But he’s dropped off a lot."

Pennant and others have highlighted the impact of Bukayo Saka’s injuries on Odegaard’s form. The two share an intricate on-field relationship on Arsenal’s right-hand side that shapes much of the team’s attacking play. "Saka being out has had an impact on the whole squad... the relationship with Odegaard and Saka, you always see Odegaard on the right hand side when Saka is playing the little through balls," Pennant observed, emphasising how interdependent Arsenal’s offensive rhythm can be upon individual partnerships.

Yet not everyone agrees Arsenal have regressed. Former Premier League midfielder Robbie Mustoe argues that persistent injuries across key positions must be factored in before casting judgement. "I still think they are going to be the second-placed team again for the third season on the trot. I think the injuries to key players at different parts of the season have to be considered... Injuries make a difference. When you’ve got a few injuries, it’s hard to keep up the pace. They do need another striker, but I wouldn’t agree that they’ve regressed," Mustoe said, offering a more sympathetic perspective on Arsenal’s depth and consistency issues.

While the Premier League title may again slip from their grasp, Arsenal’s 3-0 demolition of Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final offers a tantalising glimpse of what this side can achieve at their best. As Neville admits, Europe’s grandest prize could yet transform perceptions of Arteta’s project: "The Champions League is a huge opportunity for them but the league is your bread and butter... This was the season that he really should have been there and been close with Liverpool and he’s not. It’s a let down."

The debate over Odegaard’s season—fair critique or harsh consequence of high standards—mirrors the Gunners’ current crossroads: flashes of greatness tempered by inconsistency and missed opportunities. As Arsenal prepare for more decisive matches ahead, supporters are left to ponder: Can Odegaard reclaim his influential best, and might European triumph redefine the entire campaign?

What do you think of Arsenal’s form and Odegaard’s season? Share your thoughts below and join the debate with fellow fans.

• Arsenal
• Gary Neville
• Martin Odegaard

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