MARTIN ODEGAARD should be stripped of the Arsenal captaincy, according to ex-Match of the Day pundit Mark Lawrenson.
The former Liverpool defender did not hold back after Odegaard’s underwhelming display in Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final first leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
Mikel Arteta’s side were beaten 1-0 at the Emirates after Ousmane Dembele struck early to give the French giants a crucial away win.
Odegaard struggled to influence the game, completing just 20 passes out of 27 attempts – his lowest total in any match this season.
Lawrenson reckons the pressure of being captain is affecting the Norwegian’s performances.
He told Paddy Power: “The captain’s armband should be taken away from Odegaard, so he can get back to focusing on his performances.
“We all know that he’s a good player, but he’s just had a six out of 10 season.”
Odegaard, 25, has worn the armband since 2022 after signing permanently for the club in 2021 and has been a integral part of Arteta’s leadership group.
But Lawrenson believes there is a better candidate in the ranks.
He added: “If you gave Declan Rice the armband instead, you imagine that it wouldn’t affect his performances, especially considering he was captain at West Ham.
“I’d give it to Rice so Odegaard can focus on improving his performances.”
Odegaard has registered just one assist in his last eight matches and was largely anonymous against PSG, as Arsenal failed to find a breakthrough.
Lawrenson, 66, made over 300 appearances for Liverpool and won five league titles during his career.
He spent years on the Match of the Day sofa analysing performances – and he’s not convinced Odegaard is the right man to lead the Gunners.
The second leg in Paris takes place next Wednesday, with Arsenal needing a big turnaround to keep their European dream alive.
Arsenal ratings vs PSG as Raya saves keep Gunners in it and poor Odegaard subbed off
ARSENAL face an uphill battle next week.
The Gunners suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in their all-important Champions League semi-final home leg.
Ousmane Dembele stunned the Emirates Stadium into silence when his first-time shot hit the post and bounced over the line just three minutes into the match.
After a nervous start, it took the Gunners around 20 minutes to settle.
But when they did, the momentum began to swing in their favour.
Just moments into the second half, Mikel Merino finally put the ball in the net – only for it to be chalked offside after a lengthy VAR check.
And Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard forced worldy saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma.
David Raya then produced stunning stop from Goncalo Ramos as the Gunners held on at 1-0.
It’s not over – there is still at least 90 minutes to be played.
But away from home, it will not be easy.
Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated Arsenal’s stars on the night…
Read the full article here
