Arsenal picked up three important points in a 1-0 win against Everton as they ensured their status as Premier League leaders was intact for Christmas. But one player's performance left a little to be desired in the eyes of fans.
The visitors were handed the opening goal on a silver platter, as Jake O'Brien jumped for a corner with both hands raised and knocked the ball away, giving the referee little choice but to point to the spot. Viktor Gyokeres made no mistake from 12 yards, burying his penalty past Jordan Pickford.
It wasn't plain sailing for Arsenal, though, with Everton putting them under pressure at multiple points in the second half. The Toffees demanded a penalty when William Saliba kicked Thierno Barry, but it wasn't forthcoming. Leandro Trossard then should have wrapped up the contest when he struck the post after a slick move from the visitors.
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Martin Odegaard Leaves Room for Improvement in Arsenal Win vs Everton
Arsenal's Martin Odegaard reacts
Premier League - Everton v Arsenal - Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool, Britain - December 20, 2025 Arsenal's Martin Odegaard reacts Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
This current season hasn't exactly been plain sailing for Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard thus far. Spending a large portion of the term out with injury, he's only recently returned to full fitness, and it's showed in recent weeks.
Having flattered to deceive in the Gunners' win against Brentford in gameweek 14, the trip to Everton was a chance for the Norwegian to make a statement that he was back to his best, that he could play a starring role against a Premier League side that many find difficult to beat.
But although he played four key passes in the game, there were moments where Odegaard's final ball was lacking. Sometimes forcing his teammates wide with a poor final ball, he's not looked like the same consistent creative force that many supporters have become accustomed to in his years at the Emirates.
What will irritate them most of all, though, is that they have another creator on the bench who might be the perfect player to give them an edge in attack — Eberechi Eze. The summer signing didn't manage to come off the bench at the Hill Dickinson stadium, with Mikel Merino coming on for Odegaard to add some defensive resilience.
However, the former Crystal Palace man's presence on the bench serves as a reminder to Odegaard - perform, or be replaced. And on the basis of current performances, Arteta is approaching a point where a switch could be made at number 10.
Arsenal Supporters Slam Odegaard's Performance vs Everton
Arsenal's Martin Odegaard celebrates
Premier League - Everton v Arsenal - Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool, Britain - December 20, 2025 Arsenal's Martin Odegaard celebrates after the match Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
Odegaard's performance on Saturday night was the source of plenty of frustration on social media, with Arsenal supporters ranting about his efforts on the pitch. One fan wrote: "You could make a 2 hours comp of Odegaard forcing his runner wider then he would like."
Another fan also chose to focus on the Norwegian international's passing, stating: "Saliba is a more direct playmaker than Odegaard." And that was echoed by another supporter, who said: "Odegaard's final ball is so so bad. I will never be fooled by those aggregated chance creation statistics."
One more stated: "From Ozil to Odegaard he creates nothing in that role he plays." While a fellow Gunner added: "Odegaard needs to offer so much more than he’s offering. Since he’s come back into the team we look pedestrian."
A different supporter believes that there needs to be a change to the team, writing: "Arsenal have outgrown Odegaard." And a final fan wrote: "Odegaard’s final pass has been dreadful, poor weight, poor direction, lack of accuracy. He needs to do better if he wants to justify a place in the starting XI."