Martin Odegaard inadvertently revealed a potential concern for Mikel Arteta during a furious exchange in Arsenal ’s FA Cup defeat to Manchester City.
The Gunners fell at the fourth round stage on Friday evening - Nathan Ake’s strike proving to be enough for Pep Guardiola’s men. Whilst elimination gives Arsenal the chance to focus more of their efforts on their title tilt, there appears to be underlying concerns that could hugely hamper the North Londoners’ season.
Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey picked up a problem during the game and was replaced by former Anderlecht star Albert Sambi Lokonga at the brea k. The Belgian did not have the best time of things having struggled against a hugely talented Man City midfield.
He was also pictured being on the end of a furious rant from captain Odegaard. Midway through the second period, the hosts attempted to probe Arsenal.
As would be expected, Norwegian playmaker Odegaard was dictating things but was left aghast by his team-mate’s positioning as Rodri managed to pass the ball unchallenged into the heart of the Arsenal midfield. Having pointed out the free man on a number of occasions, the former Real Madrid star then berated Lokonga for not following his instructions.
The youngster appeared to not take kindly to Odegaard’s rant as he departed straight down the tunnel come the final whistle. His performance will certainly not have left many convinced that he can be Partey’s full-time replacement should he be out for an extended period.
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Former Gunner Ian Wright suggested that his lack of game time might have contributed. Speaking after full-time, he said: “With someone like Sambi, he needs minutes, he needs to be playing, he needs to be able to understand and be more wary of where he is and what he needs to do and where he needs to be dropping in.
“You’ve got to kind of sense that danger and that’s why he needs the minutes in games of this quality, because that’s where you learn.”
Roy Keane was however left unconvinced. “But you hope at this stage and at this level they’ve already learned that part of the game. It’s a big concern,” he replied.
It remains to be seen how Arteta overcomes his midfield conundrum but the transfer market could provide some clues. The Spaniard has already expressed his desire for added depth.
Speaking ahead of the defeat to Man City, he said: "We need some more cover in midfield, ideally, if we can. But this market is complicated. But as I always say, the most important thing is we get the performances and the time on the pitch with the players we already have on the pitch are really good."
A number of players have already been linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium before the window closes. Brighton star Moises Caicedo could potentially follow former teammate Leandro Trossard to North London.
Arsenal have already had one bid rejected for the Ecuadorian, whilst he has now been banned from training with the Seagulls after expressing his desire to move on with a post on social media.
