Arsenal’s start to the Premier League season has been inconsistent. Despite sitting in third place, their recent record of only three wins in seven games suggests they may struggle to stay in the title race if this form continues.
Although difficult fixtures and some questionable officiating have contributed, Paul Scholes, speaking on The Overlap, pointed out that the absence of Martin Odegaard might be the real issue. Scholes believes that Odegaard’s impact on the team’s style of play has been sorely missed, affecting their overall performance.
He explained that without Odegaard, Arsenal’s usual fluidity and structure seem diminished, adding, “Discipline is an issue, but I think Arsenal miss Odegaard massively. He changes the way you play football; one player can really transform a team. I’ve been disappointed with Arsenal, but I think it’s mainly because Odegaard hasn’t been playing. Otherwise, the team looks alright.”
Data backs up Scholes’ assessment. With Odegaard in the lineup, Arsenal have won 18 out of 21 league games in 2024, averaging 2.8 goals per match. In contrast, their performance has dropped in the six games he’s missed, underscoring how vital he is to their strategy.
Arsenal’s challenge is intensified by a lack of depth in the attacking midfield position, as Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira both left over the summer, leaving them without a suitable backup for Odegaard’s role. His return could be crucial if Arsenal hopes to mount a sustained title challenge.
