Former Arsenal Wing player Jermaine Pennant said that criticism for Martin Odegaard this season was justified as “he fell a lot”.

The Gunners came out that their best match this season in the Champions League 3-0 win against Real Madrid, maintaining their hopes to win silver live under Mikel Arteta this season.

However, seeing the overall season, Arsenal have seen some disappointment, especially in the Premier League, with one player like Martin Odegaard.

Arsenal captain has received many criticisms for his appearance this season that many believers cannot be justified because of their contribution to the team. He has made 35 appearances for the Gunners this season, scored five goals and gave eight assists.

But, former Arsenal Wing player Pennant believes that criticism of Odegaard has been justified this season. He told Goonernews through Golden Panda: “Unfortunately for him, he set so high standards in the last three years where he did it very well and now you are reduced, everyone pays attention.”

“If you see the season in 2022/23, he has 15 goals and seven assists and that’s when they pushed City along the way.

“So yes, his appearance was not as good as the previous season and unfortunately for him, because he set a bar so high, everyone hoped that consistency would be there, but he came down a lot.”

Saka’s injury has affected Arsenal Odegaard’s performance

We ask Pennant whether the hamstring injury faced by Bukayo Saka in December influences the form of Odegaard, due to the fact that Norwegian international players have a fantastic relationship with Saka, especially in accidental creation.

He answered: “I think Saka came out had an impact on the whole troops. I think the way Saka played and how to play Arsenal was somewhat suitable for Saka and especially as you said, relationship with Odegaard and Saka, you always see Odegaard on the right side when Saka plays a little ball through the ball.

“They have a good relationship and they bounce each other, and I think with Saka, I think you see more with Odegaard.”

Click here to see the current Arsenal injury status before their match against Brentford on Saturday night.