The Premier League title race is heating up, but for Arsenal, a recent hard-fought 1-0 victory over Newcastle has done little to silence the critics, with legendary midfielder Paul Scholes delivering a brutal assessment of their tactical setup.
Key Points:
- Paul Scholes believes Martin Ødegaard is playing too deep, hurting Arsenal's midfield flow.
- The absence of Bukayo Saka has exposed Ødegaard's tactical wandering and lack of connection.
- Summer signing Martin Zubimendi is also facing scrutiny for his perceived lack of ball progression.
- Scholes suggests Manchester City now holds a significant mental advantage in the title fight.
Scholes Unleashes Blistering Attack on Arsenal's Midfield Core
Paul Scholes, never one to shy away from controversial opinions, pulled no punches regarding Arsenal's tactical woes. Speaking on The Overlap, the Manchester United icon targeted the Gunners' midfield, specifically their captain, Martin Ødegaard. His criticism suggests a deeper systemic issue affecting Arsenal's title aspirations.
Ødegaard's Deep Dive: A Tactical Misfire?
"I love Ødegaard, I think he's brilliant. Technically, he's great, but he doesn't play his position properly," Scholes asserted. He pointed out that during the Newcastle game, the Norwegian often found himself as the deepest player on the pitch.
This bewildering positioning, according to Scholes, disconnects Ødegaard from his natural role as a No.10, stifling the crucial link between midfield and attack. He famously called it "bulls**t" football, questioning the overall flow.
The Saka Factor: Missing Link in Attack?
Scholes believes Martin Ødegaard's struggles are exacerbated by the absence of star winger Bukayo Saka. The telepathic understanding between Saka and Ødegaard on the right flank has been a cornerstone of Arsenal's attack.
Without his primary outlet, Ødegaard is seen to be drifting, leading to a dip in his attacking output, with just one goal and five assists in 21 league matches this term. Scholes questioned if new potential targets like Viktor Gyökeres or even Kai Havertz could replicate this vital connection.
Zubimendi Under Fire: Premier League Prowess Questioned
The criticism didn't stop with the captain. Summer signing Martin Zubimendi, a £51 million arrival, also came under fire from Scholes. Despite his reputation for ball progression, Scholes views the Spanish international as out of his depth in the physically demanding Premier League.
Fellow legend Gary Neville echoed these concerns, highlighting how Newcastle's midfield outmaneuvered Zubimendi, Declan Rice, and Ødegaard in their recent clash, exposing a glaring weakness in Arsenal's engine room.
Title Race Tensions Mount: City's Mental Edge
As the title race enters its crucial final stages, Scholes believes the psychological advantage now firmly rests with Manchester City. He emphasized the vast experience gap between the two contenders.
While Arsenal is "limping over the line," City possesses a "flow" and a manager in Pep Guardiola who has navigated countless title challenges. The veteran midfielder concluded that while it will be close, City has the capability to win every remaining game, putting immense pressure on Arsenal.
.png)
