Odegaard's Crucial Role in Upcoming Arsenal vs. Chelsea Clash
In the wake of Arsenal's recent defeat to Inter Milan in the Champions League, former footballer and current pundit Paul Merson emphasized the necessity of Martin Odegaard's inclusion in Arsenal's starting lineup for their pivotal Premier League encounter against Chelsea this Sunday, live on Sky Sports.
Merson, in his latest column, highlighted the importance of the game against Chelsea, suggesting that a victory is crucial for Arsenal, especially if both Liverpool and Manchester City secure wins in their preceding matches. "If they both win, I think Martin Odegaard must start [on Sunday]. Ten and nine points is a lot of ground to make up if they both win," Merson stated, pointing out that the team needs Odegaard's "guile" to break down defenses.
Arsenal's performance against Inter Milan was commendable, yet they lacked the decisive edge, according to Merson. He criticized the refereeing decisions in the game, particularly the non-awarded penalty for Arsenal when goalkeeper Yann Sommer collided with an Arsenal player. "It is a stonewall penalty," Merson insisted, expressing frustration over the inconsistency in officiating.
Looking beyond the immediate fixture, Merson touched on the potential impact of Arsenal's sporting director Edu possibly leaving the club. Reflecting on the past, he compared it to David Dein's departure, noting a decline in player quality post-Dein. "The quality of player they brought in was phenomenal while he was at the club," he reminisced, expressing concern over Arsenal's future recruitment strategy.
Additionally, Merson discussed Manchester United's managerial prospects, expressing skepticism about Ruben Amorim's suitability due to his tactical setup which might not align well with United's current squad. "He plays three at the back. He would have ticked the boxes at Chelsea, but Enzo Maresca has done fantastic," he noted, questioning the fit for United's forwards and wing-backs.
On Manchester City's form, Merson believes Pep Guardiola will soon rectify the team's dip in performance, especially with key players like Rodri out. He also praised Liverpool's resilience under Arne Slot, stating, "They keep on going and keep winning. They have goals in the team and they are dangerous."
Lastly, Merson commented on Aston Villa's challenges in European competition, suggesting that the team struggles to secure victories when not performing at their peak. "Man City can win games by playing in second and third gear, but that isn't the case for this Villa side," he concluded.
As Arsenal gears up for their crucial match against Chelsea, the spotlight is firmly on Martin Odegaard to provide the creative spark needed to propel the Gunners towards a much-needed victory.