London, England — A storm is brewing at Arsenal as a growing section of the fanbase voices serious concern over Martin Ødegaard’s leadership. With the Gunners falling 15 points behind Premier League champions Liverpool, pressure is mounting on Mikel Arteta to make bold decisions — including replacing Ødegaard as captain.
Match of the Day legend Mark Lawrenson has added fuel to the fire, suggesting that stripping the Norwegian playmaker of the armband might actually help him rediscover his form.
> “We all know he’s a good player, but he’s just had a six out of ten season,” Lawrenson told Paddy Power. “Give the armband to Declan Rice — it won’t affect him, and it’ll let Ødegaard focus on his performances.”
Ødegaard, who took on the captaincy in 2022, has struggled to hit his previous heights this season — registering just 2 goals and 6 assists in 26 league games. Though he’s fared better in the Champions League, Arsenal fans were stunned when Arteta subbed him off for 16-year-old Ethan Nwaneri during their recent clash with PSG, signaling a possible shift in trust.
Arteta has always praised Ødegaard’s influence on and off the pitch, once calling him a “perfect fit” for the club’s values. But with Arsenal’s title hopes in tatters and fan unrest rising, the question looms large:
Is it time for new leadership at Arsenal?
