Alan Shearer names Arsenal star who was a ‘disappointment’ in PSG defeat
Shearer expected more from the Arsenal star.
Alan Shearer criticised Martin Odegaard’s performance after Arsenal’s limp display in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.
The Gunners were undone after four minutes with Ousmane Dembele capping a terrific team move with a sublime finish from the edge of the box.
Arsenal had a goal ruled out early in the second-half with Mikel Merino creeping offside before heading home Declan Rice’s cross.
While Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard were denied by Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, PSG also had chances to extend their lead with Goncalo Ramos denied by the crossbar late in the second-half.
The 1-0 defeat leaves plenty for Arsenal to do in the second leg in Paris next week.
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Odegaard endured a particularly quiet evening, failing to impose himself on the game before being replaced late on by Ethan Nwaneri.
Following the change, Shearer, on commentary duty with Amazon Prime, was critical of the captain’s performance, believing he should have done more to inspire his side.
He’s been a bit of a disappointment tonight, Odegaard,’ Shearer said.
‘Maybe I expected more of him, to stamp his authority on this Arsenal team.
‘He hasn’t been able to find that killer pass or that run into the box like you would expect. He has been well marshalled.’
Former Manchester United and England star Wayne Rooney also took a swipe at Arsenal’s midfield display, critical of their inability to effectively press PSG.
‘The midfield three for Arsenal are all over the place,’ Rooney said at half-time.
‘They are trying to go press the ball at every opportunity and they are leaving massive gaps, like you see for the first goal. They are leaving big gaps in behind and PSG will punish them.
‘They need to sit in shape, let PG have the ball for a bit. They are trying to press at every opportunity and this will suit PSG.’
Odegaard and Rice started alongside Merino in midfield with the Spaniard dropping back into his regular role in the absence of Thomas Partey.
Partey was ruled out through suspension on Tuesday night, the result of a costly yellow card shown in the second leg against Real Madrid at the quarter-final stage.
The Ghana international will be expected to return to the side next week in Paris.
