Martin Odegaard slammed for ‘worst performance in an Arsenal shirt’ by Emmanuel Petit
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has been slammed by former Gunners star Emmanuel Petit for his ‘worst performance in an Arsenal shirt’ during Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Chelsea.
Odegaard was a key part of the north Londoners’ Premier League title challenge last season, registering 15 goals and eight assists across 37 games, but he has faced some criticism in the early stages of the current campaign.
The 24-year-old Norwegian midfielder has struggled to make an impact in recent weeks, with one goal and one assist from his last five top-flight matches.
Petit slams Odegaard
Former Arsenal star Petit, who won the Premier League and FA Cup double with the Gunners in 1998, has now lost his patience with Odegaard and ripped into him for ‘disappearing’ on the pitch at Stamford Bridge.
‘The way Odegaard played against Chelsea was probably his worst performance in an Arsenal shirt,’ Petit told Compare.bet.
‘He disappeared on the pitch, was giving the ball away and didn’t dictate the tempo of the game at all. Arsenal lost the midfield battle against Chelsea and that was due to Odegaard not playing well.’
Odegaard’s Arsenal career
Odegaard signed a new long-term contract last month, committing his future to the north London club until 2028.
He initially joined Arsenal on loan from Real Madrid in January 2021 and his move was made permanent the following summer. The Norway international has made a total of 118 appearances to date, scoring 28 goals and providing 16 assists.
What’s next for Odegaard?
It remains to be seen how Odegaard will respond to Petit’s criticism, but it is clear that he needs to improve if he is to help Arsenal continue their push for a top four finish this season.
The Gunners are currently fifth in the Premier League table, two points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, and they will be hoping that Odegaard can rediscover his best form in the coming weeks.
Odegaard will have the chance to prove himself when Arsenal take on Leeds United in their next league game on Sunday.