Paul Scholes, a former midfielder for Manchester United, has called on Martin Odegaard to “step up more” after Arsenal’s 1-1 draw at Old Trafford on Sunday night left them 15 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool. Just before halftime, Bruno Fernandes, the captain of the Red Devils, gave his team the lead with a contentious free kick, leaving the Gunners struggling to salvage a draw.
Finally, with fifteen minutes left, Declan Rice scored a strong long-range goal to give Mikel Arteta’s team the equaliser. But for a large portion of the game, Arsenal found it difficult to penetrate United’s defence and lacked originality in the closing third. In the past, club captain Odegaard has been pushed to lead in these circumstances while facing deep-lying defences, but Scholes feels the message hasn’t been stressed enough.
With important players like Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Bukayo Saka out at a critical point in the title fight, Arsenal’s injury crisis has surely contributed. However, the Gunners have not made the most of their resources as they fall farther behind Liverpool and are certain to finish in second place for the third consecutive season.
Paul Scholes Slams Martin Odegaard After 1-1 Draw
The Arsenal captain hasn’t stepped up when they have needed him
Odegaard is rightfully regarded as one of the top midfielders in world football when Arsenal is playing well, but there hasn’t been much indication of that in recent weeks. Scholes, who took some time to praise the Norway international before criticising his incapacity to alter games on his own, expressed a similar opinion over the weekend. He said to Premier League Productions (see the video below at about 26:00):
Once more, Odegaard had an impact on the squad, but in these kinds of situations, where you could just need one goal or a flash of genius, I believe he needs to step up. People in his position have won games for you; Phil Foden and [Kevin] De Bruyne are two examples.
He added: “Martin Odegaard’s a brilliant footballer, I love to watch him, [he’s] technically gifted. But, at some point, he’s got to come and win these games for his club.”
Scholes’ Opinions on Arsenal
He likened them to a mid-table Spanish side
Scholes said that Arsenal resembles a “mid-table, Spanish La Liga team” as part of his candid critique of the team. This follows the 11-time Premier League champion’s suggestion that their style of play is appealing but insufficiently effective. He went on to say:
“They’re like a mid-table, Spanish La Liga team with the way they play, but they got no substance.”
🚨🗣 – Paul Scholes has absolutely DESTROYED Arsenal:
"They're like a mid-table, Spanish La Liga team with the way they play, but they got no substance."
No way!!! 😭😭😂 pic.twitter.com/86knjC31U9
— UF (@UtdFaithfuls) March 9, 2025
The Champions League, a title that Arsenal has long eluded, appears to be their last chance to win a trophy this season. However, the north London team will be bursting with optimism about their chances of making a deep run in Europe’s top championship after crushing PSV 7-1 in the first leg of their Round of 16 match.
In an attempt to salvage their dwindling title aspirations, the Gunners will travel to play PSV in the second leg this Wednesday before playing Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday.
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