Arsenal’s 4-1 win over Tottenham not solely reignited their title problem but additionally sparked a serious tactical debate over the way forward for membership captain Martin Odegaard.
Following Ebelesi Eze’s five-star efficiency wherein he scored twice within the North London derby, pundits have warned that Odegaard’s once-certain beginning spot is now beneath severe menace.
Martin Odegaard is not assured a spot within the beginning eleven after Eze’s masterclass
Eze, signed for £60m from Crystal Palace in the summertime, regarded ‘absolute class’ in a standard No 10 position, thriving in a central place supported by the double pivot of Declan Rice and Martin Zvimendi.
Former Arsenal defender Adrian Clarke additionally praised Eze, noting that the midfielder had “grown three inches” after the opening purpose.
Clarke claimed Eze’s dignity and drive had “set the usual” as Arsenal’s inventive hub.
Former Arsenal defender Adrian Clarke advised talkSPORT when requested about his efficiency in opposition to Spurs:
“It was a extremely conventional 10 position, as a result of Declan Rice and Martin Zvimendi have been additionally flat.
“He was a central determine and I feel he has to play fairly excessive as much as have an effect on the sport.
“Ensure to get into the field. He clearly received into the field with each objectives. He gained the ball. He began profitable the ball higher than he did earlier within the season.
“You would see it within the build-up to the second purpose. After scoring the primary purpose, I believed Eze grew three inches taller. He began to swagger somewhat bit. It was like his stage. Eze grew three inches taller. It was like his stage.”
“A few of the little touches and flicks and passes across the nook have been enjoyable to observe. He was absolute class. However he has now set the usual.
“It needs to be at that degree. You’ll be able to’t simply do it twice a season in opposition to Spurs. He has to have that want, that objective, to play with confidence in opposition to everybody. And if he does that, Odegaard will not be again within the group.”
Eze vs. Martin Odegaard
Odegaard has lengthy been the inventive coronary heart of Mikel Arteta’s facet, however this season’s statistics spotlight a change within the guard.
Derailed by an early-season ankle harm and up to date knee points, the Norwegian’s manufacturing has dipped in comparison with Eze’s explosive affect.
Eze’s means to affect video games excessive up the pitch and his glorious scoring returns, together with 5 objectives in opposition to Spurs alone this season, gives a directness that Odegaard in 2026 has typically lacked.
Odegaard’s future at Arsenal is unsure
Odegaard has been linked with a transfer this summer time, with experiences suggesting Arsenal are able to half methods with their captain.
Arsenal have reportedly set a hefty £80 million price ticket for Odegaard, who’s being focused by a number of golf equipment together with Inter Milan and Bayern Munich.
Spanish giants Barcelona have been additionally beforehand linked with him.
With the Norwegian’s future unsure, there’s a good probability that Eze will inherit the quantity 10 position on the membership long-term.
