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Arsenal again dropped points in the Premier League title race last weekend. Whilst the blame always falls on Viktor Gyokeres for not scoring, another player should also take some responsibility for the drab 0-0 draw with Nottingham Forest.
Martin Odegaard has become a hero at Arsenal since he joined the club on an initial loan from Real Madrid back in 2021. He was the attacking midfielder the Gunners needed as Mesut Ozil became unreliable and eventually left the club for Fenerbahce in the same year.
Arsenal has also become a permanent home for Odegaard, who did not live up to the hype at Real Madrid. The Norwegian joined Los Blancos from Strømsgodset Toppfotball when he was only 16. However, he played just 11 games for the Spanish giants without scoring or making an assist.
Whilst at Real Madrid, Odegaard was sent on multiple loans to clubs including Heerenveen, Vitesse, and Real Sociedad. Had it not been for Arsenal, Odegaard could have gone down as an overhyped young player who became a journeyman.
Martin Odegaard can do no wrong in Arsenal fans' eyes
Odegaard has been a top performer for Arsenal and became the club captain in 2022. However, he has only lifted the Community Shield with the Gunners. Odegaard has been the skipper of a side that has become perennial underachievers in being runners-up in the last three Premier League campaigns.
Against Forest, Odegaard was very poor and was replaced by Mikel Merino after just 57 minutes. The Norwegian has struggled with knee and shoulder injuries this season. However, he has managed just one goal with three assists in 16 Premier League games this campaign.
Odegaard is Arsenal's leader and the man they turn to to make a difference in games when they need a goal. The Gunners are still leading the league, but only by seven points. Manchester City suffered a shock loss to Manchester United over the weekend, so it was the perfect time for the Gunners to make a statement victory. However, it was not to be the case.
There are sure to be many more twists and turns until now and the end of the season. Arsenal will need Odegaard to improve his form; if not, he cannot have such an influential role as the club captain. Arsenal fans are desperate to win the league, and Odegaard needs it just as much if he is to be deemed a successful Gunners captain.