Theo Walcott Criticizes Arsenal Captain for ‘Being Too Comfortable’ After Crystal Palace Draw

Former Arsenal forward Theo Walcott calls out Martin Odegaard for ‘being too comfortable,’ urging the Gunners to address complacency after a tough Crystal Palace clash.

Former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has voiced concerns about Martin Odegaard’s performance, accusing the captain of “being too comfortable” in the wake of Arsenal’s 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace. Walcott’s critique highlights the need for Odegaard to rediscover his sharpness and drive to propel the Gunners forward.

The match saw Arsenal bottle up the leads twice, with Odegaard’s error proving costly in the buildup to Crystal Palace’s equalizer. Walcott believes the Norwegian playmaker, who has struggled to regain his peak form after injury, could be “being too comfortable” in his role and needs to rise to the challenge of leading his team effectively.

As Arsenal gears up for their Champions League semi-final clash, Walcott has urged the squad to avoid complacency. The warning about “being too comfortable” serves as a reminder to Arsenal’s key players to push their limits and deliver their best on the pitch.

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 23: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal passes the ball during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Crystal Palace FC at Emirates Stadium on April 23, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Although Odegaard was singled out, Walcott defended goalkeeper David Raya, noting that setbacks in football can fuel growth and resilience. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expresses similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for focus and improvement as the team navigates a challenging phase in their season.

With 13 Premier League draws this season, Arsenal’s tendency to slip under pressure has raised questions about their ability to close out games. Walcott’s observation underscores the urgency for the Gunners to step up and ensure they finish the season strongly.

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