Martin Ødegaard: Arsenal’s Most Important Player and the Misguided Criticism After the West Ham Defeat
In the aftermath of Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to West Ham, a familiar but misguided narrative emerged across social media. Frustrated fans and reactionary pundits claimed that Martin Ødegaard “goes missing in big games” and should be stripped of the captaincy.
Blaming Arsenal’s captain may provide an easy scapegoat, but the reality is far more nuanced. The loss to West Ham was not the result of one player’s failure; it was a systemic issue that involved a lack of movement, injuries to key attackers, and a failure to adjust tactically against a compact defensive structure.
Ødegaard remains the heartbeat of Arsenal’s attack and one of the most important players in Mikel Arteta’s system. His influence extends far beyond the individual moments fans see on the pitch. He dictates tempo, connects midfield to attack, and leads the team’s pressing intensity. The idea that he was at fault for the loss—or that he is not fit to wear the captain’s armband—is both reactionary and factually incorrect.
Arsenal’s Tactical Struggles Were Structural, Not Individual
Arsenal’s loss to West Ham exposed deeper issues within the team’s attacking structure, but those problems were not the fault of Ødegaard. The team dominated possession, controlling 67.8 percent of the ball, yet managed only two shots on target. The attack lacked penetration and movement, allowing West Ham’s well-drilled defensive setup to absorb pressure without being seriously threatened.
The primary issue was Arsenal’s inability to stretch the West Ham backline. With Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Martinelli all unavailable due to injury, the attack relied on makeshift solutions. There were no consistent runs behind the defense, no dynamic rotations in the final third, and no central figure capable of pinning West Ham’s defenders back.
Ødegaard was forced to drop deeper than usual, receiving the ball in areas where he could dictate possession but could not influence the final third in the way he normally does. His best performances come when he has runners ahead of him, providing passing options that allow him to break defensive lines. Against West Ham, those passing lanes were nonexistent, forcing him to recycle possession rather than create chances.
Ødegaard Was One of Arsenal’s Most Involved Players Against West Ham
The notion that Ødegaard “went missing” during the match does not hold up when analyzing the actual numbers. He had 92 touches, the second-most of any Arsenal player, and was responsible for three key passes, the highest in the team. He completed 11 progressive passes, more than any of his teammates, and contributed six shot-creating actions.
A statistical breakdown of Martin Ødegaard’s contributions against West Ham, highlighting his passing, ball progression, and involvement in Arsenal’s attacking play. (Courtesy Cannon Stats)
His movement off the ball remained intelligent throughout the match, but Arsenal’s lack of fluidity in the final third meant that his ability to influence the game was limited. Without the necessary movement ahead of him, he was left attempting to unlock a defense that was never forced to shift from its compact shape.
This was not an issue of an individual failing to perform. This was a tactical problem that left Arsenal relying too heavily on one playmaker without providing him with the necessary attacking structure to thrive.
Arsenal’s Attack Relies on Ødegaard More Than Any Other Player
Ødegaard is not just an important piece of Arsenal’s attack—he is the engine that makes it run. His influence is backed by data that shows just how much Arsenal’s attacking output suffers when he is not involved.
Across the 2024-25 season, he ranks in the top percentile of key attacking metrics. He averages over six progressive passes per 90 minutes, ranking in the 96th percentile among midfielders. His ability to complete deep passes into the attacking third places him in the 99.5th percentile. He is also among the most effective midfielders in carrying the ball forward, with over eight progressive carries per match.
When he is absent or neutralized, Arsenal’s attacking production drops significantly. The team’s expected goals per game decreases from 2.0 to 1.2, while final third entries and big chances created both decline by over 20 percent.
These numbers highlight an undeniable truth: Arsenal’s offensive system depends on Ødegaard’s creativity, vision, and positional intelligence. When the team fails to score, it is rarely due to his individual shortcomings. It is often because the attacking setup around him has not provided him with the right tools to break down the opposition.
The Leadership Debate: Why Ødegaard Is the Right Captain
Some of the most misguided criticism following the West Ham match suggested that Ødegaard should be stripped of the captaincy. This argument not only lacks evidence, but it also disregards his contributions as both a leader and a tactical organizer on the pitch.
Leadership in football is not just about being vocal. While some captains are known for their fiery personalities, others lead by setting the standard in work ethic, tactical awareness, and composure under pressure. Ødegaard falls into the latter category. He is a leader by example, demanding high standards from himself and his teammates.
Mikel Arteta has repeatedly emphasized Ødegaard’s importance, stating that he is vital to how the team plays. His teammates have also spoken highly of his leadership qualities. Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Gabriel Jesus have all praised his professionalism, intelligence, and ability to control the rhythm of a match.
Beyond his technical ability, Ødegaard is also one of Arsenal’s most committed defensive players. He ranks first among all Premier League midfielders in pressures per 90 minutes, averaging nearly eight high-intensity presses per match. His defensive work is crucial to Arsenal’s ability to win the ball back quickly and control territory in games.
There is no rational argument for stripping him of the captaincy. If anything, the West Ham match reinforced just how much Arsenal depends on him as a leader and a creator.
How Arsenal Can Maximize Ødegaard’s Influence Moving Forward
Instead of questioning Ødegaard’s contributions, Arsenal should focus on building a tactical system that better supports his creativity. Against deep defensive blocks, the team needs to be more dynamic in the final third, offering different ways to stretch opposition defenses.
One key adjustment is improving movement ahead of him. Arsenal’s best performances this season have come when runners create space for Ødegaard to play through balls into dangerous areas. The return of Saka and Martinelli will naturally improve this, but Arteta must also ensure that when those players are unavailable, Arsenal still has mechanisms for movement in behind.
Another potential solution is increasing tactical variability. In matches where teams sit deep, Ødegaard should not be the only creative outlet. Deploying Declan Rice in advanced midfield roles could relieve some of the creative burden while giving Arsenal an additional way to break down compact defensive lines.
Lastly, Arsenal must be more proactive with in-game adjustments. When a match unfolds similarly to the West Ham game, Arteta should not wait until the 70th minute to make changes. Shifting to a 4-2-3-1 earlier in games, using overlapping full-backs more aggressively, and tweaking pressing triggers could allow Ødegaard more space to operate.
Final Thoughts: Ødegaard Is Arsenal’s Solution, Not the Problem
The social media backlash against Ødegaard following the West Ham defeat was reactionary and misplaced. Arsenal’s struggles in that match were not due to his failure but to a broader tactical issue that limited his effectiveness.
He remains Arsenal’s most important player, dictating the team’s attacking play, controlling tempo, and leading the press. When he is not at his best, it is often because the team’s structure has failed him, not the other way around.
Rather than blaming him, Arsenal must focus on how to maximize his influence. The real question isn’t whether Ødegaard is doing enough—it’s whether Arsenal is evolving enough tactically to support their best player.
