Is Arsenal having problems with Odegaard?
Martin Odegaard, who often plays a central role in Arsenal's attacking play, had a lackluster performance against Manchester United.
In an effort to find an equalizer, coach Mikel Arteta suddenly withdrew his captain from the field in the 62nd minute. This is a rare decision in recent seasons, when Odegaard has always been considered the most important creative source of the "Gunners".
Statistics show that the Norwegian midfielder only had a meager 27 touches of the ball during his time on the field, almost becoming an outsider at a time when Arsenal needed a leader to lead the game.
For many seasons, Odegaard's position in the Arsenal squad has been almost inviolable. Arteta has absolute faith in the match-time control ability that the Norwegian midfielder brings.
However, the current context is different, as Arsenal owns another notable option, Eberechi Eze. Although Eze's form has not really stabilized in recent weeks, fans quickly pointed out that Arsenal's most convincing attacking performances this season are all associated with the number 10 role of the former Crystal Palace star.
The 4-0 victory over Atletico Madrid, the victories over Bayern Munich and Inter Milan, or the 4-1 destruction of Tottenham all witnessed Eze becoming the center of attacking play.
Odegaard is still Arteta's most important factor, but in the pivotal period of the season, perhaps it is time for the Spanish strategist to put more faith in the unpredictability and breakthrough that Eze brings.
The strongest squad, but is Arteta using it correctly?
Arsenal's lackluster performance against Man United is completely opposite to the convincing image they showed at Milan in the middle of the week.
This raises a big question, did Arteta choose a reasonable squad for both matches?
When the starting lineup in the Champions League was announced, fans were surprised. Arsenal had secured a place in the round of 16 before the away match at San Siro, but Arteta still used a series of key players such as Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Martin Zubimendi, Jurrien Timber and William Saliba in a match that was almost meaningless in terms of results.
Meanwhile, players who need to be given opportunities and accumulate physical strength such as Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz (just returned from injury) or young talent Ethan Nwaneri are not used.
The consequences quickly revealed just a few days later. Most of the key players continued to start against Man United - including Gabriel Jesus - and Arsenal appeared to be clearly out of breath against a more energetic and energetic opponent.
The slowness in competition, lack of explosion in midfield and decline in attacking speed caused The Gunners to lose the game right at home, despite having a force considered the strongest in the Premier League.
Arsenal has a dream depth of squad, something that few teams in England today can match. But if it is not rotated and exploited properly, that depth will become meaningless, especially in the period when the season enters the decisive threshold.
Not everything is gloomy and pessimistic
Despite negative criticism after the defeat to Man United, many people easily forget that Arsenal is still leading the Premier League with a gap of 4 points.
Not only that, Arteta's team is also at the top of the table in the Champions League with a perfect record and has won tickets to the round of 16. In the Carabao Cup arena, Arsenal is holding a 1-0 advantage before the second leg semi-final next week against Chelsea. Before them is also the clash with Wigan in the 4th round of the FA Cup.
Arsenal are in the right position they want when all four titles are still within reach. Despite a 3-match winning streak, they are still considered by Opta as a bright candidate for the first domestic championship in 22 years.
According to the prediction of supercomputer Opta, Arteta's team has 81.7% chance of ending the prolonged title drought. Meanwhile, Aston Villa is predicted to have 9.4% chance of winning the Premier League title for the first time since 1981, while Man City is 8.7%.
The bitter defeat against Man United could become a boost for Arsenal to tighten their squad, show their bravery and aim for the ultimate goal. Captain Odegaard also called on the whole team to unite. With the upcoming schedule including Leeds away, Sunderland at home and Brentford away, Arsenal has a favorable opportunity to bring the championship race back to the right track.
However, if the form in the Premier League does not improve soon, starting from the away match to Elland Road, questions will still appear. At that time, the pressure on Arsenal and Arteta will definitely increase.
