“No way” - Darren Bent insists 25-year-old Arsenal superstar must not play in crucial clash against Manchester City
Former Premier League striker Darren Bent has urged Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta not to start Martin Odegaard against Manchester City this weekend. The pundit insists the injured Norwegian midfielder must not be risked so early in the season.
The Gunners secured a much-needed 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League last Sunday (September 15), thanks to Gabriel Magalhaes' match-winner in the second half.
Despite missing key players like Odegaard and Declan Rice, Arsenal managed to secure all three points in the North London derby.
Odegaard was sidelined after picking up an ankle injury during the international break with Norway. Rice, meanwhile, served a one-match suspension after being controversially sent off in their previous game against Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Gunners will next face Manchester City in a crucial Premier League clash at the Etihad on Sunday, September 22. It remains uncertain when the Norwegian will return to action.
Bent advised Arteta against playing Odegaard at the weekend and risking injury to a marquee player with much of the season remaining. The pundit said on talkSPORT (as quoted by TBR Football):
“If he is not fit or even if he is 20%, don’t want to risk him. No way. It’s a long season.”
Odegaard has registered 156 appearances for the Gunners since his arrival in 2021, scoring 35 goals and providing 25 assists.
"Without a shadow of a doubt" - Alan Shearer says Arsenal have 'the best back four' in the league
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has lavished praise on Arsenal's defense after their North London derby victory. The pundit believes the Gunners boast the best defense in the Premier League right now.
Arteta's men displayed exceptional form on both ends of the pitch last season in a heated title race against Manchester City. The Gunners conceded the least number of goals (29) in the league last term while maintaining the most clean sheets (18). They also scored 91 goals, only second behind City's tally of 96.
Speaking about their defensive prowess, Shearer said on The Rest is Football podcast:
"I think once Arsenal go 1-0 up against you, they're tough to get back, because they are - they've got the best back four in the Premier League, without a shadow of a doubt."
"They don't give hardly anything away, Spurs just kept trying to put hopeful balls into the box and Arsenal dealt with it easily. They deserved the three points Arsenal, without playing particularly well, which has to be a good sign," he added.
The Gunners are second in the league table after three wins and one draw this season. They are two points behind league leaders Manchester City.