Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has shared his thoughts on Arsenal’s current form, attributing their underwhelming performances to the absence of key midfielder Martin Odegaard. Scholes believes that once Odegaard returns from injury, Arsenal will elevate their game to another level.
Odegaard, who has been sidelined since the end of August due to an ankle ligament injury sustained on international duty, is expected to make his return in November. Scholes emphasized Odegaard’s importance to the team, stating, on The Overlap with Sky Bet “Arsenal miss Martin Odegaard, they miss him massively. He changes the way they play football, and that one player can change a team.
Despite Arsenal’s strong start to the Premier League season, Scholes has been slightly disappointed with their performances. He pointed out that the team’s midfield has not been as fluid as it was last season, largely due to Odegaard’s absence. “I said it earlier in the season that I’d been disappointed with Arsenal, but I think it’s all down to Odegaard not playing in the team – the rest of it looks alright.”
Scholes also highlighted the need for Arsenal to improve their mentality in “big games” if they want to challenge for the Premier League title. He recalled Arsenal’s draw against Manchester City last season, noting that the team celebrated the draw as if it were a victory, which he believes shows a mentality that needs to change.
Scholes, speaking before Sunday’s 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium, ranked Liverpool as Man City’s biggest title rival this season, ahead of Arsenal.
‘I wanted it to be a game that showed me that someone could beat Manchester City and give them a right run to win the league, and I wasn’t convinced by either.
‘Both teams will get better. I still think Liverpool are the team out of those two teams that could get the closest to Man City.’
Scholes believes Arsenal need to improve their mentality in ‘the big games’ to make the next step and end their long wait for a Premier League trophy
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