Two wins and one draw. This was the status of Arsenal in the Premier League for the first three rounds. In other words, on course for a close title race. Seven games later, it is clear that the level has dropped. Liverpool are surging ahead with a seven-point lead after Arsenal’s loss to Newcastle at St. James’ Park. There are several explanations for why Arsenal are not delivering in the league, but there is little doubt that a Norwegian light bulb is the biggest.
Captain Martin Ødegaard disappeared with a nasty ankle injury in September and has had to see his players pick up wildly unnecessary red cards, fail to settle against Manchester City and Liverpool (points split), an incomprehensible loss to Bournemouth and now another loss to Newcastle.
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Mikel Arteta was asked about Ødegaard after Saturday’s loss, a topic that obviously gives the Arsenal manager a bad feeling.
“He is not available. We can talk about him all day, but he is not available. He hasn’t been for the last four or six weeks, but we have a lot of other answers that have been effective in the past,” Arteta said at the press conference.
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Been effective in the past. Right now, it seems like Arsenal are suffering without Ødegaard’s leadership, creativity, pace and precision in building up their attacking play.
Everything you need to know about Arsenal’s next matches, hopefully soon with Martin Ødegaard
