Arsenal captain Martin Odegard has struggled with his form so far this season, but he provided an assist to Gabriel Magalges’ winner against Newcastle on Sunday
Arsenal legend Perry Groves thinks Mikel Arteta should consider dropping gunner skipper Martin Odegard on the bench of alternatives. Norwegian International has struggled to take part in this campaign with Arsenal and so far manages one assist on five outings for Arteta’s team.
However, that contribution arrived during the Gunners’ important 2-1 victory at Newcastle United on Sunday as Arteta’s side was closed within two points of tabletopper Liverpool. Supporters from North London hope that the display, which won Odegard’s match in the northeast, could lead to improved performance.
Arsenal welcomes the Olympiacos in the Champions League on Wednesday, then joining West Ham United this Saturday afternoon. However, former Gunners Winger Groves expressed his belief that Odegaard would rediscover his peak form from the first team’s spell.
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“Not a lack of effort, he wasn’t himself because of the injury,” he said via the metro.
“He wasn’t a creative self flowing at his freedom, but what happens now is that Eze is coming, and when you’re in a large club, you have to lift up your own personal performance, which will drive Odegard.
“When you see the Sunday when Odegaard came, he will be straight at the pace of the game and he will obviously get a goal assist with a great stream from the corner.
“So I think what’s going on with the top players is getting you on the bench to reach another level. I think the beauty of the depth of Arsenal’s team is that they can do it and spin the options right now.”
He added:
“And what that means is that if you come 30 minutes before 25 minutes, it obviously brings those players to a fresher level, which increases the actual level of your team.
“And when you’re playing Arsenal, you think, oh, there’s no rest, it’s merciless.
“That’s exactly what Man City was all about.”
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