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Embarrassment to This Club’ – Arsenal Fans Turn on Key Player After 3-2 Defeat vs Man Utd Arsenal players vs Man Utd
Arsenal were dealt a huge blow in the Premier League title race after being beaten 3-2 by a resurgent Manchester United at the Emirates on Sunday. One man in particular has received strong criticism from fans for his below-par display.
Mikel Arteta’s side went into the clash with the opportunity to reclaim their seven-point lead at the top of the table after Manchester City and Aston Villa’s wins. Meanwhile, Michael Carrick looked to build more momentum after an impressive Manchester derby triumph.
With home advantage, the Gunners were on the front foot from the very first whistle, putting Senne Lammens’ goal under siege in the first half-hour. That pressure paid off when Lisandro Martinez put the ball into his own net just before the 30-minute mark.
Martin Odegaard fired the ball towards goal, but the Man Utd centre-back got the final touch to divert the ball past a helpless Lammens. The hosts then shot themselves in the foot as Martin Zubimendi laid it on a plate for Bryan Mbeumo to grab an equaliser.
The north Londoners were then left shell-shocked as Patrick Dorgu thundered in an unbelievable volley from outside the box to complete the comeback.
Matheus Cunha restored United’s lead after Mikel Merino thought he’d rescued a point for his team. The Brazilian left David Raya rooted with an incredible curling effort to win the match.
Martin Odegaard’s Limitations Exposed vs Man Utd
Martin Odegaard and Mikel Arteta
Despite playing a significant part in the opening goal, Arsenal captain Odegaard struggled to show his best attacking football. The Norwegian is expected to unlock stubborn defences and get his attacking players into goalscoring positions, but that wasn’t the case on Sunday evening.
Playing against a Man Utd midfield featuring a mix of experience and youth, Odegaard really struggled to step up to the big occasion, something that he has been criticised for in the past.
He was dragged off after just 62 minutes with his team chasing the game, having completed just 14 of his 21 attempted passes (67%). The midfielder lost possession of the ball 10 times and had just 27 touches in an hour of football.
Arsenal Fans Want ‘Terrible’ Odegaard Gone
Martin Odegaard
Supporters were quick to display their frustrations with their No.8 as many took to social media to criticise Odegaard’s display. One annoyed fan slammed the home atmosphere and hinted that the midfielder’s lax nature in possession contributed to the ‘flat’ feeling:
“Same as every single other game. The performance is so flat, the crowd gets deflated, it kills the atmosphere.
“Odegaard cannot continue to start for us. He’s terrible. Everything is backwards.”
The idea that the former Real Madrid man doesn’t offer enough to his side was repeated as another X user added: “Odegaard doesn’t do much in our matches. He’s our captain but not doing much as an attacking player – we need a creative player,” while another stated: “Time to bench or sell Odegaard. He does nothing other than hold up play or pass the ball backwards.”
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The Emirates faithful seem to be running out of patience with the Norway international, with the suggestion: “The next step of this project is to sell captain Martin Odegaard,” and one fan even demanding: “Sell Odegaard tomorrow. He’s an embarrassment to this club.”
The criticism extended as far as calling Odegaard a ‘fake captain’ and the ‘worst’ the club has ever had. One fan wrote: “Man… I am done with Odegaard. Fake captain,” and another made the huge claim: “Odegaard is our worst-ever captain. Sell him for pennies at this point.”
After being given a slight rest during the midweek clash with Inter Milan, it was suggested that Odegaard was performing like a tired player:
“Captain Odegaard playing like he played 90 minutes against Inter. HE DID NOT. So lethargic, easily nudged off the ball, and dilly-dallying.”
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Bayern Munich keen on signing Arsenal star who has been ‘massive’ for Mikel Arteta of late Transfers
Bayern Munich keen on signing Arsenal star who has been ‘massive’ for Mikel Arteta of late
Scarlet VazScarlet Vaz8 February 2026
German giants Bayern Munich are looking to make moves in the upcoming transfer window. They are keeping a close eye on Arsenal’s Kai Havertz.
Kai Havertz has lost his place in Mikel Arteta’s starting eleven and has been replaced by Viktor Gyokeres. Looking at these dynamics, Bayern Munich is heading to take advantage of this situation.
Havertz’s reduced game-time and a shift to the midfield rather than his natural striker position give the German club a brilliant chance to make a bid for him.
According to Fichajes, Bayern are looking to sign the 26-year-old, believing he will bring versatility and serve as a cover for Harry Kane.
Arsenal have seen how well Havertz has grown into Mikel Arteta’s team, and the fans love him; however, the huge sum they could receive for the striker may be tempting for the Gunners.
Kai Havertz is ready to leave the Emirates
Arsenal are having an exceptional season, topping the Premier League table as well as the UEFA Champions League table. Additionally, they made it to the Carabao Cup final after an ecstatic 4-2 aggregate win against Chelsea, with the goal in the second leg scored by Havertz itself.
The 26-year-old striker, who some feel has had a ‘massive‘ impact for Arteta since his return from injury came to the Emirates in 2023 from Chelsea. He was a key player for the Blues and became Arsenal’s first-choice striker immediately after his transfer, replacing Gabriel Jesus.
With Havertz’s present contract set to end in 2028, a move to Bayern for a regular starting position seems suitable. The Bavarian squad is reportedly preparing a significant cash offer to persuade Arsenal to part ways. However, Arsenal’s take on this deal remains unclear.
Read More: “I love his…” Mikel Arteta heaps praise on ‘confident’ Arsenal star in post-Sunderland press conference
Viktor Gyokeres‘ form has been incredible in recent weeks. He has made crucial contributions to the team and has scored 4 goals in their last 5 games in all competitions.
Although it took him some time to find his place in the team, his improvement has been clearly visible. The fans believe they could see a lot more from him in the season ahead and in the years to come.
The Gunners face Brentford at home in a league game, and it seems like a brilliant opportunity for the Swedish forward to increase his goal tally.
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“He Always Scores Goals Anytime He’s on the Pitch, I Love Playing With Him” — Viktor Gyökeres Names ONE Arsenal Player He Loves Playing With
Viktor Gyökeres has singled out one Arsenal player he absolutely loves sharing the pitch with, and it’s no surprise given the impact the Gunners star has whenever he plays.
Speaking in a recent interview, the prolific striker couldn’t hide his admiration, describing the Arsenal man as someone who “always scores goals anytime he’s on the pitch.” Gyökeres added that playing alongside him makes football easier, more fluid, and far more dangerous for opposition defenses.
A Deadly Connection on the Pitch
Gyökeres praised the player’s movement, intelligence, and instinct inside the box, highlighting how their chemistry naturally creates chances.
“Anytime he’s on the pitch, you know something will happen. He always finds a way to score, and I really enjoy playing with him,” Gyökeres said.
The Arsenal star’s ability to arrive at the right place at the right time has clearly left a strong impression, with Gyökeres emphasizing how confident he feels when linking up with him during attacking phases.
Arsenal Fans Will Love This
For Arsenal supporters, Gyökeres’ comments will only fuel excitement, especially amid ongoing discussions about attacking partnerships and future squad evolution. The striker’s words underline the quality already present at the Emirates and the kind of chemistry that can elevate Arsenal to the next level.
A Compliment That Speaks Volumes
Gyökeres is known for his high standards and relentless style of play, so such praise carries real weight. When a striker of his caliber openly admits he loves playing with a teammate because of their goal-scoring consistency, it says everything about that player’s influence.
With Arsenal continuing to push on multiple fronts, partnerships like this could prove decisive as the season progresses.
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HIGHLIGHTS : Arsenal Player Ratings: ‘Titan’ 9/10 as 8/10 ’causes headache’ for Sunderland all afternoon
Mikel Arteta saw his Arsenal side pick up a 17th win of the campaign against a Sunderland outfit who have upset some big guns this season.
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Arsenal increased their lead at the top of the Premier League table to nine points with a convincing 3-0 win over a tricky Sunderland side at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Martin Zubimendi celebrates scoring against Sunderland. |
Regis Le Bris’ men stood strong in the face of intense Gunners pressure early doors with the hosts only finding the breakthrough thanks to an opportune Martin Zubimendi strike from the edge of the box, the shot hitting the back of the net via the post.
Sunderland never truly looked like finding their way past David Raya and any doubts were put to bed when substitute Viktor Gyokeres fired home in the 66th minute. The Swede then found his second after Gabriel Martinelli burst past the Wearside defence in injury time, poking home into an open goal. Here’s how the Arsenal players rated.
Arsenal Player Ratings v Man Utd
GK: David Raya, 6
Another clean sheet for the shot-stopper but some hairy moments this afternoon. Flapped at a couple of balls in his box in the first half and made a crazy decision to try and rush out and volley a ball on the edge of his box after the break, thankfully Gabriel was there to save his bacon. Did set Arsenal off on the counter brilliantly at times, spotting space on the left wing.
LB: Riccardo Calafiori, 7
The full-back found himself very advanced in times, finding space to cut in centrally with ease. Could’ve perhaps looked to work a little better with Leandro Trossard on the flank to help find some width for Arsenal.
CB: William Saliba, 7
Never looked fully on top of the threat posed by Habib Diarra, who flicked the ball over the top of Saliba in the first half and forced a foul that saw the Frenchman booked.
CB: Gabriel, 8
Made the crucial intervention to recover from the David Raya moment of madness in the second half. His usual self as he marshalled defence. Looked to be really enjoying the battle out there today.
RB: Jurrien Timber, 7
A decent outing for the Dutchman. Didn’t pose a huge threat in attacking moves but didn’t look likely to be beaten on his flank either.
CM: Martin Zubimendi, 8
Neat and diligent in his work, as always. Had a couple of chances to shoot at the edge of the box in the first half, with the Emirates Stadium calling upon him to do, but circulated the ball instead. Finally tried his luck and for the first goal with a well-hit strike that cannoned in off the post.
CM: Declan Rice, 9
It’s in these types of matches when the England international comes into his own. Sunderland put up an organised defence that was tough to break down but Rice constantly looked to keep the ball moving. Almost scored with a cracker of a strike from distance in the first half and it was his commitment to pressing that forced the Sunderland mistake before the second goal. A titan in the centre of the park.
Kai Havertz causes problems for the Sunderland defence
CM: Kai Havertz, 8
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Given plenty of freedom to roam in that role, which was just as much a centre-forward as it was a centre-midfielder. Havertz offers a lot, with some important defensive interventions, as well as causing a headache for the Sunderland defence with his movement. Constantly hard to track, as evidenced by his popping up from nowhere to assist Gyokeres.
LW: Leandro Trossard, 8
Had a hand to play in both Arsenal goals today, laying a nicely weighted ball off to Zubimendi and spotting Havertz in space prior to the second. Caught a couple of sweet volleys on the edge of the box in the first half but saw the strikes blocked by the Sunderland defence.
ST: Gabriel Jesus, 8
Showed plenty of hustle and bustle, his shorts covered in mud by the half-time whistle thanks to his battles. Thought he had won a penalty on the stroke of half-time but the game was brought back for an offside. The Brazilian certainly offers a tenacity that Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz do not.
RW: Noni Madueke, 7
Looked capable of beating the Sunderland defender in the first half with his jinking runs but the Gunners struggled for threat out wide. Put a delicious cross in after 22 minutes, which forced a Black Cats defender into a risky clearance, but needed more of that quality of delivery.
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SUBS: Gabriel Martinelli (8), Viktor Gyokeres (9), Piero Hincapie (8), Eberechi Eze (8), Christian Norgaard (N/A).
In other news, Arsenal handed early North London derby boost in moment of Tottenham ‘madness’.
Related topics:Kai HavertzMartin ZubimendiDeclan
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