Arteta Urged to Sell £30m Arsenal Flop, Likened to Aubameyang
Arsenal currently finds itself in a paradoxical situation, leading both the Premier League and the Champions League while struggling in their recent league matches. The team’s form has dipped, with no victories in their last three games, including a disappointing defeat to Manchester United that reduced their league lead to four points. This inconsistent performance has raised questions about individual player contributions, specifically targeting Martin Ødegaard, who has drawn unfavorable comparisons to former club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Analysis of Arsenal’s Performance Against Manchester United
The match against Manchester United highlighted several areas of concern for Arsenal. While some players showed glimpses of promise, many struggled profoundly. Of notable mention is Martin Ødegaard, who has been likened to Aubameyang due to his recent form.
Poor Showings from Key Players
Several starters had disappointing performances during the game. Among them:
- Martin Ødegaard – the captain’s ineffective contribution was glaring.
- Martin Zubimendi – made a crucial error leading to United’s first goal.
- Piero Hincapie – completed only 13 passes and had minimal impact.
- Jurrien Timber – struggled defensively and offensively, winning only one tackle.
Despite being a key figure in previous matches, Ødegaard’s statistics against Manchester United were alarming. He was substituted in the 59th minute after a performance that yielded no goals or assists and saw him lose possession ten times. His expected goals and assists combined were only 0.12, highlighting his ineffectiveness.
Comparisons to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Ødegaard’s current form bears a troubling resemblance to that of Aubameyang during his final days at Arsenal. The former captain, once a formidable scorer, became a liability after a significant pay rise. Similarly, Ødegaard, who earns approximately £240,000 per week, is underperforming relative to his wages and expectations.
Statistics Show Deteriorating Form
Examining Ødegaard’s recent statistics raises further concerns:
| Season | Appearances | Minutes Played | Goals | Assists | Goal Involvements per Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24/25 | 45 | 3447 | 6 | 12 | 0.4 |
| 25/26 | 17 | 1273 | 1 | 5 | 0.35 |
In just 17 appearances this season, Ødegaard has scored only one goal and provided five assists, averaging a goal involvement every 212.16 minutes. Such statistics are a far cry from what is expected from a player in his position.
Possible Strategic Changes Ahead for Arsenal
With Ødegaard’s performance declining, Arsenal might be forced to reassess its squad. If he does not significantly improve, the Gunners could consider selling him, similar to their decision regarding Aubameyang. As Arteta evaluates his roster, the focus will be on revitalizing the team’s performance to maintain their lead in both domestic and international competitions.
