Arteta Should Sell £30m Arsenal Flop Turning into Next Aubameyang
Arsenal currently find themselves in a paradoxical situation. While Mikel Arteta’s team leads both the Premier League and the Champions League, they have performed poorly in their last three league matches. Following a defeat to Manchester United, their lead at the top has shrunk to a mere four points. The Gunners’ attack seems to be struggling, with one player in particular starting to resemble Arsenal’s former star, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Disappointing Performance Against Manchester United
In their recent clash with Manchester United, Arsenal’s players failed to impress. The team had several disappointing performances, notably from summer signing Martin Zubimendi. Although Zubimendi has shown promise this season, he made a critical error that led to United’s opening goal. His overall contribution on the pitch was minimal.
Other players, like Piero Hincapie, also had underwhelming games. Hincapie managed only 13 passes and failed to make a significant impact aside from contributing to the opening goal. Jurrien Timber, playing on the opposite wing, also struggled, completing no key passes and losing 50% of his duels.
Who Stood Out as Arsenal’s Worst Player?
If one player embodied Arsenal’s struggles against United, it was captain Martin Odegaard. His performance was so inadequate that Arteta substituted him in the 59th minute of the match. Odegaard’s statistics were telling:
- Minutes Played: 59′
- Expected Goals: 0.10
- Goals: 0
- Expected Assists: 0.02
- Assists: 0
- Key Passes: 0
- Accurate Passes: 14/21 (67%)
- Shots on Target: 0
- Touches: 27
- Lost Possession: 10
- Tackles Won: 2 (1)
- Duels Won: 5 (2)
- Errors Leading to a Shot: 1
These numbers illustrate a performance that many would categorize as a disaster for a captain. Odegaard’s position as a key player in Arsenal’s setup is increasingly scrutinized.
Odegaard’s Declining Form
Over the past two seasons, Martin Odegaard’s performance has noticeably declined. In the 2024/25 season, he played 45 matches, scoring six goals and providing 12 assists. However, this season, his form has taken a downward turn:
| Statistics | 2024/25 Season | 2025/26 Season |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 45 | 17 |
| Minutes Played | 3447 | 1273 |
| Goals | 6 | 1 |
| Assists | 12 | 5 |
| Goal Involvements per Match | 0.4 | 0.35 |
| Minutes per Goal Involvement | 191.5 | 212.16 |
With just one goal and five assists in the current season, Odegaard’s contributions have diminished significantly. His salary, reportedly £240,000 per week, raises further questions about his future with the club.
The Path Forward for Arsenal
Odegaard’s recent performances bear a striking resemblance to the decline of Aubameyang. As both were once pivotal to Arsenal’s success, the club may need to consider offloading Odegaard if his form does not improve. Such decisions could be crucial for Mikel Arteta as he navigates this tricky season at Arsenal.
