Jamie Carragher criticized an Arsenal player for having an “average season” following the Gunners' draw with Crystal Palace, which left Liverpool requiring only one point to claim the Premier League title.
The Gunners went ahead two times during the evening with goals from Jakub Kiwior and Leandro Trossard, but were brought level thanks to brilliant strikes from Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta. In the final ten minutes, they were lucky to secure a point, as Palace pressed hard for the win.
Both teams have more important matters to attend to, as Palace is getting ready for their FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa on Saturday, while Arsenal is set to play Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final next week.
However, this was Arsenal's 13th draw of
the season and the ninth where they dropped points after leading, and they might not have lagged so much behind Liverpool this year if it weren't for their captain's lackluster displays.
Odegaard was sidelined for seven Premier League matches due to injury at the beginning of the season and has seldom appeared at his peak since.
Following 19 goal contributions in the Premier League last season and 22 the season prior, the 26-year-old has achieved only two goals and six assists this year.
That involved a free-kick cross for Kiwior that led to the opening goal at the Emirates on Wednesday, but Carragher still criticized the playmaker post-match, asserting that Odegaard is “not really impacting anyone” by occupying an “easy spot.”
Carragher stated on Sky Sports: “I believe that often, he [Odegaard] is not where he ought to be.” What lies in the spaces between the lines.
Not particularly this season; I believe he’s had a mediocre season, but prior to this, I viewed him as nearly on par with Kevin De Bruyne when he receives the ball in between the lines.
“He was weaving through players, everything was flowing through him; it felt like I was witnessing one of the top athletes in the Premier League.”
“He frequently steps out of the danger zone, nearly moving into a central midfield role, which is a comfortable spot for me where he can deliver smooth passes, appear organized and clean, but not genuinely threatening anyone.”
Carragher additionally stated that manager Mikel Arteta will be "angry" about the outcome, as Arsenal will now be "watching their backs" with four matches remaining in the Premier League.
The Gunners take on Bournemouth between their matches against Paris Saint-Germain, then travel to Liverpool before welcoming Newcastle, culminating in a final outing to Southampton.
“Carragher mentioned on Sky Sports that he believes Arteta will be livid.” "They will be good enough to qualify for the Champions League, but you aim to settle it as quickly as possible."
“If they had won tonight, you could dismiss the Bournemouth game between PSG and rest the entire team.” I believe he isn’t in a position to do that at the moment since Liverpool follows after.
"If they drop the next two matches, then the others are right behind you and still need to face Newcastle." "You simply don't want to keep glancing behind you."
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