Gary Neville has expressed his opinion that Arsenal have regressed this season and notes that Gunners captain Martin Odegaard has experienced a significant decline.
Former Manchester United defender and renowned football pundit, Gary Neville, has shared his thoughts on Arsenal’s performance this season, singling out Martin Ødegaard as a player who has experienced a significant decline in form. Speaking after Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Brentford in the Premier League, Neville expressed concerns about the Gunners’ trajectory compared to their previous campaigns.
Ødegaard, who has been a pivotal figure for Arsenal in recent years, has struggled to replicate his past performances this season. With only two league goals to his name, the Arsenal captain’s influence on the pitch has waned, leading Neville to describe his form as a “big drop-off.” This decline has been a point of contention, especially as Arsenal finds itself trailing behind Liverpool in the league standings.

Neville also criticized Arsenal’s recruitment strategy, pointing out that the team failed to adequately prepare for potential injuries to key players like Kai Havertz. He noted that this lack of depth has contributed to Arsenal’s inability to challenge Liverpool for the Premier League title. Despite these setbacks, Neville acknowledged that Arsenal still has a chance to salvage their season by focusing on their Champions League campaign, where they hold a strong position in the quarter-finals.
While some, like former Premier League midfielder Robbie Mustoe, have defended Arsenal by citing injuries as a major factor in their struggles, Neville remains firm in his belief that the team has regressed. He emphasized the importance of consistent league performances, describing the Premier League as the “bread and butter” of any top club’s success.
As Arsenal continues its journey under Mikel Arteta, the spotlight remains on Ødegaard and the team’s ability to bounce back from a challenging season. Whether they can turn their fortunes around in the Champions League or address their shortcomings in the league will be crucial in shaping their future trajectory.
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