Manchester United legend Paul Scholes believes Arsenal will hit new heights once injured playmaker Martin Odegaard returns to the lineup, describing the absent midfielder as a game-changer. Despite Arsenal’s strong start to the Premier League season, Scholes has been slightly disappointed by their performances, which he attributes to Odegaard’s absence.
Odegaard, who last played at the end of August, sustained an injury during international duty. The Norwegian’s return is reportedly imminent, and Scholes anticipates a major impact as Arsenal aim to end their title drought, having not lifted the Premier League trophy since 2004. Arsenal recently drew 2-2 with title rivals Liverpool, following a shocking defeat to Bournemouth, leaving them five points behind Manchester City.
“Arsenal miss Martin Odegaard massively,” Scholes said on The Overlap. “He changes the way they play football, and that one player can change a team. I said it earlier in the season that I’d been disappointed with Arsenal, but I think it’s all down to Odegaard not playing – the rest of it looks alright.”
Ahead of Sunday’s 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium, Scholes had identified Liverpool, not Arsenal, as Manchester City’s primary title challengers. The draw hasn’t shifted his stance, as Scholes noted that neither team fully convinced him in the title race.
