Martin Odegaard features prominently in the latest headlines surrounding Arsenal in the Premier League
Fasika Zelealem Senior Sports Reporter
06:00, 26 Nov 2025
Midfielder Martin Odegaard in action for Arsenal earlier this season
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Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard could face a battle to return to the starting lineup following his injury(Image: Photo by Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Arsenal will aim to carry their impressive form into their next Champions League match against Bayern Munich.
Following a commanding 4-1 victory over north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, the Gunners are now six points clear at the top of the Premier League. Mikel Arteta's side have only suffered one defeat this season and will be returning to European competition tonight where they boast a 100% win rate, matching that of their German opponents.
Despite Bayern Munich remaining undefeated across all competitions this season, Arsenal's current form suggests they will pose a significant challenge. Ebere Eze, who netted a hat-trick in the game three days ago, will eagerly be anticipating the upcoming fixture.
Expected to keep his place in Arteta's starting line-up, his stellar performance has sparked debate about captain Martin Odegaard's position in the team. In addition to discussions about the captain, the decision of a summer signing to join Arsenal has left a club legend perplexed. We provide an overview of the latest headlines from the Emirates Stadium.
Martin Odegaard consensus
The 26-year-old skipper has only made six appearances in the Premier League due to injury, completing a full 90 minutes just once. Despite his crucial role in Arteta's squad, he was noticeably absent during Sunday's 4-1 triumph, with Eberechi Eze shining in his stead.
The man-of-the-match display by the England international left several of the nation's most influential pundits convinced the Norwegian faces an uphill battle to reclaim his place in the starting lineup.
Rio Ferdinand addressed the situation on his podcast following Sunday's match and said: "Odegaard has been someone; if he's fit, he's going to play. Right now, Eze has just said to Mikel Arteta, 'You need to rethink that, and I've got to be the first name right now.
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LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 4: Arsenal's Martin Odegaard is forced off after sustaining an injury during the Premier League match between Arsenal and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on October 4, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)
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The Arsenal captain has played in just six league games this season(Image: Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)
"I've got the shirt. Odegaard's got to come and get it back off me even though he's the captain'." His sentiments were shared by the likes of Wayne Rooney, Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville, with the latter suggesting on Sky Sports that Eze is better suited to the number 10 role than the Gunners captain.
"I think he's better in the 10," the Manchester United legend stated. "I love him in the 10. I love him in the 10 because I love Odegaard in the 10. So it's two great options to have. But why do I like him in the 10? I think he's got the ability to beat a man with the ball at his feet. I think he's got the ability to sort of go and do something that's more unpredictable, maybe than Odegaard."
Kepa acquisition questioned
With David Raya established as Arsenal's undisputed number one, Arteta opted to recruit former Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga in a £5million transfer. Brought in to provide cover for his Spanish compatriot, the 31- year-old has featured in just two matches this campaign, both in the Carabao Cup.
Despite still holding the record as the world's most expensive goalkeeper after Chelsea splashed out £72m on him in 2018, Kepa's choice to join Arsenal is something that Lee Dixon struggles to understand.
The Arsenal legend was quizzed about whether the Spaniard had made an error in joining the north London club. Speaking to Metro, he said: "Yeah, I couldn't believe he came. You would need to ask him what his reasons were because I don't know. I don't know why you would, at his stage of his career, make that decision.
Kepa Arrizabalaga in action for Arsenal
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Kepa Arrizabalaga has only played twice this season(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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"He's never going to play. He's only going to play if David Raya gets injured. So why would you want to do that? I guess all players are different and he might have a different mindset. There might be something going on personally that he needs to be settled in the area, I don't know. But from a football point of view, it didn't make any sense to me whatsoever."