Calafiori posts Odegaard image, angry Arsenal fans demand ‘captaincy stripped’
Riccardo Calafiori shared a supportive message to Martin Odegaard after the midfielder faced criticism from Arsenal fans in recent weeks.
Arsenal are on the brink of securing their place in the Champions League quarter-finals after a stunning performance in the first leg with a 7-1 win against PSV.
Odegaard played a pivotal role in the victory, scoring twice and providing an assist for Calafiori, who also found the back of the net with a composed finish using his weaker foot.
While Arsenal supporters have called for Calafiori to play as a striker after his brilliant goal, Odegaard’s performance went some way to silencing critics who have been vocal about his inconsistent form. Arsenal fans have called for Odegaard’s captaincy to be stripped from him in recent weeks due to his poor displays.
Despite the criticism, his contributions in this historic win were crucial, and Calafiori made sure to acknowledge his captain’s impact, offering a message of support after an unforgettable night for the team.
Riccardo Calafiori sends heartfelt message to Martin Odegaard after Arsenal win
The Italy international posted a picture on Instagram featuring both players, accompanied by the caption: “Skipper” and a heart emoji.
Odegaard has faced criticism earlier this season, with his goal contributions not matching the high standards he set in previous years, despite a string of injuries affecting the squad.
So far this term, he has made 29 appearances, scoring just five goals, with only two coming in the Premier League. He has also contributed seven assists, but his league form has been less impressive, registering only three assists.
Meanwhile, Calafiori has experienced an injury-hit campaign, preventing him from building momentum in the team. Calafiori impressed Arsenal fans early in the season but has struggled to secure a regular place in the side, with 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly now featuring ahead of him in the starting XI.
| Arsenal’s last four results | Win/Loss/Draw |
| PSV 1-7 Arsenal | Win |
| Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal | Draw |
| Arsenal 0-1 West Ham | Loss |
| Leicester 0-2 Arsenal | Win |
Mikel Arteta faces mounting pressure as Martin Odegaard looks to regain form
Mikel Arteta continues to face mounting pressure from Arsenal fans, especially as the team looks set for a third consecutive second-place finish in the Premier League, missing out on the title once again.
Arsenal’s injury woes have also been a major factor, with key attackers like Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Martinelli all sidelined for extended periods.
However, after Odegaard’s crucial performance in the 7-1 win over PSV, there will be renewed hope that the captain can find consistency in the league. With the side facing a challenging end to the season, Arteta will be counting on his skipper to carry the momentum from this victory into the Premier League.