‘Martin Odegaard to be stripped of Arsenal captaincy after PSG’ – Fans rage
Martin Odegaard has been slammed by Arsenal supporters following their Champions League clash with PSG.
In previous seasons, the Norwegian international emerged into a mercurial figure for the Gunners following his move from Real Madrid in the 2021 January transfer window.
That has seen him rise through the ranks to the point where he has taken on the role of club captain at the Emirates Stadium.
During the current campaign though, the 26-year-old has struggled to make the same tangible impact for Mikel Arteta‘s side.
Indeed, there are apparently now concerns behind the scenes at Arsenal about the form and fitness of Odegaard this season, something which was seemingly backed up against the French champions.
Martin Odegaard struggles against PSG
On Tuesday (29 April), the Gunners hosted PSG in the first leg of their Champions League semi final clash at the Emirates Stadium.
It was a disappointing evening for the home side, with Arsenal producing an underwhelming performance as they were beaten 1-0 by the PSG.
Odegaard was one player who seemingly found the going tough in that game, struggling to take control in the centre of the park or pose a threat in front of goal.
| Martin Odegaard vs PSG | Total (from SofaScore) |
| Shots on Target | 0 |
| Shots off Target | 0 |
| Successful Dribbles | 1/6 |
| Successful Passes | 24/27 |
| Duels Won | 2/8 |
| Touches | 42 |
Indeed, as the game headed into stoppage time with the Gunners still needing a goal, the captain was substituted by Arteta to be replaced by 18-year-old Ethan Nwaneri.
That is perhaps a telling reflection on the lack of impact Odegaard exerted against Luis Enrique’s side for Arsenal.
Indeed, those struggles would prove to be a particular talking point for supporters as they reacted after the final whistle.
Arsenal fans want a new captain
Taking to X to give his thoughts on the game even at half time, journalist Henry Winter admitted that Odegaard is a player who possesses a huge amount of quality.
He did though also suggest that as Arsenal captain, the midfielder ought to be taking control of proceedings more, and step up to lead the comeback.
With that not happening, it was a sentiment that many Gunners fans appeared to share, with many demanding that Odegaard be relieved of the captaincy in the wake of his performance.
In the wake of that, the likes of Declan Rice and Gabriel were backed as potential candidates to replace the Norwegian in the role.