Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard earned some criticism from Sky Sports pundit Sue Smith for a good chance he missed in the Champions League trip to Sevilla.
In the 48th minute of the match, the Gunners skipper had a good opportunity to double the lead for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Gabriel Martinelli played in Gabriel Jesus, but Orjan Nyland denied the Brazilian striker from a tight angle.
The ball fell to Odegaard and, with Nyland out of his goal, the 24-year-old had an empty net at his disposal.
However, Odegaard couldn’t get his technique right and ended up putting the ball over.
“They’ve started so well,” Smith said on Soccer Special, via the Sky Sports website.
“Odegaard should do better. He just leans back and it goes over. But a really positive start for Arsenal.”
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Mikel Arteta ended up taking his captain off midway through the second half, with Kai Havertz taking his place.
Arsenal managed to get over the line in the end, running out 2-1 winners.
Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring in first-half injury time before Gabriel Jesus doubled the Gunners’ lead in the 53rd minute.
Sevilla struck back before the hour mark through Nemanja Gudelj and very nearly equalised in the 94th minute, only for David Raya to get the ball over the bar.
Martin Odegaard may need a rest – TBR View
There’s no doubting Odegaard’s quality and what he has done with and for Arsenal since joining.
However, he has suffered a bit of a downturn in form, and has looked below par of late.
For instance, Odegaard struggled to get on the ball against Chelsea and lacked his usual quality.
Likewise, against Sevilla, the Gunners midfielder simply wasn’t at his best.
This poses a bit of a dilemma for Arteta as Odegaard is normally an indispensable player, not to mention his captain.
However, the Arsenal boss does have several players who could potentially take his place if he needs a rest.
Emile Smith Rowe, Kai Havertz and Fabio Vieira are at Arteta’s disposal if he fancies resting Odegaard.