With just five games left to play in the Premier League, Arsenal's problems have culminated at the worst-possible time.
So much so that they've conceded top spot for the first time in over 100 days to a Manchester City side who have rediscovered their ruthless streak.
Mikel Arteta claimed that he was "on fire" ahead of defeat against his closest title rivals last weekend. Reports then revealed that he hosted a real fire at the training ground to ignite a spark within his side. Days later, it was Arsenal's title hopes that were sent up in flames.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta applauds fans after the match
It's raised serious questions about several stars in Arteta's squad, including club captain Martin Odegaard.
Odegaard is becoming a problem for Arsenal
Where there is a big game, there is often a big moment from the greatest Premier League-winning captains. For Arsenal and Odegaard, however, a big game usually signals a shy performance, which lacks leadership entirely.
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It speaks volumes about the midfielder's captaincy that it was Declan Rice who bellowed "it's not done" at full-time against Man City, whilst Odegaard dragged his feet past his teammate.
Arteta will be glad to have the former Real Madrid man back from injury, but he's yet to see the same version of the player that took the Premier League by storm when he permanently arrived in 2021.
Odegaard vs current top six 25/26
Games
Goals
Assists
Injury issues have not helped criticism over his captaincy, but neither has his record in big games. Against the current top six in the Premier League this season, Odegaard has been involved in just three goals in eight appearances.
When Arsenal had the chance to end any doubt in the title race last weekend, he failed to complete a single dribble and didn't win a single ground duel at the Etihad.
Odegaard-Arsenal
The elephant in the room as far as the Gunners are concerned is that there's clearly room for improvement this summer, even if it means ditching their captain.
According to Caught Offside, Arsenal have commenced talks to sign Arda Guler from Real Madrid this summer in what would be an instant upgrade on Odegaard, although they are yet to receive a green light to progress their move.
Why Guler could end Odegaard's Arsenal career
There was once a time when Arsenal were welcoming a talented Real Madrid midfielder named Odegaard to transform their attack. So it feels fitting that they're prepared to return to that path to replace that same player.
Arda Guler for Real Madrid
This time, it's Guler who's stealing the headlines. The Turkey international has become a regular starter at the Bernabeu this summer, but that's not stopping Arsenal from trying their luck.
Whilst Odegaard has struggled in big games, it was if Guler was waiting for the biggest stage to produce his most impressive moment - scoring twice, including a stunning free-kick, against Bayern Munich. Despite an eventual defeat, he certainly did his part.
Dubbed "the best midfield prospect in world football" by YouTuber and writer Neal Gardner, the Bayern Munich game isn't the only time that Guler has stood out this season.
In fact, it's been his best campaign yet in a Real Madrid shirt with six goals and 14 assists to his name. Prying him away from the Spanish giants won't be an easy task as a result, but Arsenal should go all out for his signature.
25/26 league stats P90 Odegaard Guler
Minutes 1,168 2,010
Goals 0.08 0.18
Assists 0.39 0.4
Chances Created 2.62 3.13
Dribble Success 42.9% 62.8%
The 21-year-old has outperformed Odegaard in every department this season and is only likely to get better in the coming years.
If Arteta is looking to light a fire in his attack, then he should do so in the most ruthless way possible and ditch his captain.
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