It’s not just the immediate disappointment after losing to Manchester City, who are now only three points behind with one game less played. That’s the whole story where Arsenal “always” end up second in the Premier League.
Arsenal supporters have had enough of one man.
After the crushing loss to Manchester City in what was almost a Premier League final, Arsenal fans have completely lost patience with one player.
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The Gunners travelled to Manchester without a win away to their title rivals since 2015. And they were immediately put under pressure when Rayan Cherki continued his insane form – with a goal after a magical dribbling raid inside the sixteen-yard box.
Mikel Arteta’s men were given a lifeline just minutes later, when Gianluigi Donnarumma blundered and allowed Kai Havertz to equalise. Pep Guardiola was resting.
But Manchester City didn’t give up. Erling Haaland scored the winning goal just after the hour played – and increased the pressure on the league leaders with only a few games left in the season. City will overtake Arsenal if they beat Burnley on Wednesday night.
Arsenal have not won the Premier League in 22 years. And now the fans have apparently had enough of one key player. Many believe he should be sold – regardless of whether Arsenal lift the trophy in the end or not.
The man in question? Club captain Martin Ødegaard.
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His performance against City was thoroughly reviewed by Arsenal supporters who are far from happy with his weak season so far.
Ødegaard has scored just one goal and provided five assists in a season that has been hampered by injuries. Still, fans believe that the time has come for a change in Arteta’s midfield next year.
This is what Arsenal fans say:
- “If Arteta leaves in the summer, I strongly believe that Ødegaard will have to go with him. Time for change.”
- “It is simply impossible that Ødegaard will not be sold this summer.”
- “Ødegaard must be sold this summer. Time for something new.”
- “I love everything Ødegaard has done for this club, but he’s just not the same player anymore.”
There is no doubt that the repeated injuries have affected the 27-year-old’s form this season. And his importance to Arteta is underlined by the fact that he has been given the captain’s armband.
But not all fans are convinced. Not even club legend Tony Adams.
He thinks Declan Rice should take over. Adams says:
“After I made the comment about Ødegaard, Arteta went to the players and asked: ‘Who do you want as captain?’ And they all answered… Well, they’re not going to say it straight out to him, are they? “We love Ødegaard! Hooray!”
“Why do you need the manager then?” You choose your own captain, you get your contact, you have your vice-captains. You create a bond.
“I think Declan is a leader. A super leader and a super player. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: He should be Arsenal’s captain. Anyway.
