Without Martin Odegaard, Arsenal is so much worse in attack. Mikel Arteta has disguised the lack of a leader - through sometimes switching to clearly defensive mode, sometimes set pieces, and at times the individual exploits of Bukayo Saka.

Even in those won matches without the Norwegian, the team looks different. Over time, it is impossible to sustain the usual level of success either. The percentage of wins falls from 73.7% to 50%, and the rhythm of scoring points-from 2.4 to 1.7.

The best reflection of this crisis was the meeting with Newcastle. Having opened Arsenal, of course, had to score, but instead of some traditional triangles on the flanks - the more effective and well-coordinated one was based on the right with Odegaard and Saka - we saw predictable passes to the wingers so that maybe something would be decided by one of them.

This is not the worst-case scenario, worse is to play without delivering the ball to the dangerous players at all, but in this scenario, the team is too dependent on Saka's individual inspiration, and very predictable. The best moment was created by Bukayo-an individual complication from the flank in a situation when there were no other options. Clearly, that was not enough.

Odegaard creates himself, and makes the team less predictable, connecting the entire right side of the field with timely dashes and combinations. It is time to admit: without him Arsenal suffers and doesn't play football.

Without Martin Odegaard, Arsenal is so much worse in attack. Mikel Arteta has disguised the lack of a leader - through sometimes switching to clearly defensive mode, sometimes set pieces, and at times the individual exploits of Bukayo Saka.

Even in those won matches without the Norwegian, the team looks different. Over time, it is impossible to sustain the usual level of success either. The percentage of wins falls from 73.7% to 50%, and the rhythm of scoring points-from 2.4 to 1.7.

The best reflection of this crisis was the meeting with Newcastle. Having opened Arsenal, of course, had to score, but instead of some traditional triangles on the flanks - the more effective and well-coordinated one was based on the right with Odegaard and Saka - we saw predictable passes to the wingers so that maybe something would be decided by one of them.

This is not the worst-case scenario, worse is to play without delivering the ball to the dangerous players at all, but in this scenario, the team is too dependent on Saka's individual inspiration, and very predictable. The best moment was created by Bukayo-an individual complication from the flank in a situation when there were no other options. Clearly, that was not enough.

Odegaard creates himself, and makes the team less predictable, connecting the entire right side of the field with timely dashes and combinations. It is time to admit: without him Arsenal suffers and doesn't play football.