Former Striker Calls for Arsenal Captain's Axe After Disappointing Display
Former England international Darren Bent has launched a scathing critique of Martin Odegaard's recent performances, urging Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to drop his captain from the starting lineup. The passionate plea comes after Arsenal's surprising 3-2 home defeat to Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium, a result that has thrown the Premier League title race wide open.
'He's Offering Nothing' - Bent's Blunt Assessment
Speaking candidly on talkSPORT, Bent - a lifelong Arsenal supporter - didn't mince his words regarding Odegaard's current form. "Next weekend in the Premier League, Odegaard out. Out! Honestly, out," declared the former Tottenham and Charlton forward. "He's offering nothing. Give Eberechi Eze four or five games."
Bent acknowledged Odegaard's previous excellence, noting the Norwegian's inclusion in consecutive PFA Teams of the Year during the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns. However, he emphasised that the 27-year-old's dramatic dip in form has become a significant concern for the Gunners.
Substitution Speaks Volumes
Arteta's decision to substitute Odegaard in the 58th minute against Manchester United, alongside Martin Zubimendi, Gabriel Jesus, and Piero Hincapie, appeared telling. Despite being league leaders, Arsenal stumbled to defeat against Michael Carrick's resurgent United side, with Matheus Cunha's late winner sealing three points for the visitors.
Odegaard's statistics this season make for concerning reading, with just one goal and three assists in Premier League competition. This represents a stark contrast to his influential performances of previous campaigns, with injuries in recent months further disrupting his rhythm.
Eze Presents Compelling Alternative
Bent believes Eberechi Eze deserves an extended run in the team after making an impact against Tottenham. "After Eze had that impact against Tottenham, where he was unbelievable, Odegaard came back in and he was better and I thought, 'Okay, we're going to get the Odegaard back from two years ago', but he's gone back to himself," Bent explained.
The pundit argued that no Arsenal attacker can currently claim immunity from being dropped. "Right now, in the attacking areas, no player can hold their hands up and say, 'Do you know what? I don't deserve to be dropped', because they have all been poor," he stated.
Broader Attacking Concerns Emerge
Bent expanded his criticism to include several key Arsenal forwards who have underperformed recently. While acknowledging Bukayo Saka's previous excellence, he noted: "Him, this season, hasn't been good enough. He does it in moments in games but his output in terms of assists and goals has not been good enough."
The analysis extended to summer signing Viktor Gyokeres and Leandro Trossard, with Bent suggesting both have fallen below expectations in recent weeks. This collective dip in attacking productivity has raised concerns about Arsenal's title credentials at a crucial stage of the season.
Title Race Anxiety Grows
Bent admitted genuine worry about Arsenal's ability to capitalise on opportunities in the title race. "The problem I've got is that Arsenal right now are not capitalising when they're being given opportunities," he said. "Manchester City have dropped points, Aston Villa have dropped points, they've got the opportunity to win and they haven't taken it."
The former striker highlighted Arsenal's increasing reliance on set-pieces for attacking threat as particularly concerning. "What's worrying me as well is: how can my genuine excitement come from corners and set-plays? The only time at the minute when I get excited is when we get a corner."
Defensive Solidity Contrasts Attacking Struggles
While criticising Arsenal's attacking play, Bent acknowledged their defensive resilience this season. "Defensively, Arsenal have been rock-solid all season," he noted, before adding: "But the attacking areas need some serious work."
He specifically pointed to Manchester United's first goal as evidence of Arsenal's current attacking limitations, suggesting the team's tendency to play "backwards and sideways" rather than progressing the ball forward played into United's hands.
Crucial Decisions Ahead for Arteta
With Arsenal already qualified for the Champions League last 16, Odegaard may be rested for their midweek clash against Kairat. However, Bent believes the Norwegian should remain out of the starting lineup for their Premier League return against Leeds United next weekend.
Arteta now faces significant selection dilemmas across his attacking positions, with pressure mounting to find solutions to Arsenal's recent attacking malaise. The manager's decisions in the coming weeks could prove pivotal in determining whether Arsenal can maintain their title challenge or see their ambitions unravel at a crucial stage of the season.
