While many of Gary Neville's title-race forecasts have recently come true, Martin Odegaard has disproven them after the Norwegian's leadership was questioned.
With Odegaard's assistance, the Gunners overtook Manchester City and now lead the league by two points. The title fight is far from over, despite the fact that the defending champions have two games in hand, and the Norway international versus the Blues undoubtedly set an example.
Neville questioned Thomas Partey, Odegaard, and Oleksandr Zinchenko, all of whom are regarded as senior characters at the club, last month regarding their leadership abilities. Although the trio are deserving professionals, the 48-year-old questioned their ability to improve the performances of their less-experienced teammates, like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
He stated, "I look at Martin Odegaard, fantastic professional," on The Overlap. Outstanding professional, Oleksandr Zinchenko. But are they in the lead when the most stressful parts of the major games at the end of the season actually happen?
"I don't think Arsenal's senior players, Partey, Zinchenko, and Odegaard, had an effect on the rest of their teammates on the field during the most challenging time, when younger players like Saka and Martinelli needed that guidance and Jesus needed to be told to stop running around and just stand up front and be really disciplined in how you play. In actuality, they were part of the problem with their matches.
Xhaka at Anfield [referring to the incident with Trent Alexander-Arnold], Partey's recent play, I believe Zinchenko gave up a goal in one game as well (the Liverpool game and possibly West Ham as well), and Odegaard had likely his most challenging game against Manchester City.
"Then, recall the huddle that Zinchenko initiated [against Southampton], after which Odegaard intervened and yelled, "Break up. Therefore, when the younger players needed it most, the team's four leaders were unable to really rally the group and maintain their composure. These recent weeks have made that clear to me.
blogpay
