Stephen Warnock Identifies Arsenal’s Reliance on Odegaard and Saka

Stephen Warnock believes Arsenal is overly dependent on Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka, a concern raised as the effectiveness of the Gunners’ attacking play from open situations is being questioned. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club, the former Liverpool defender remarked: “There’s a bit of a reliance on Saka and Odegaard, if you can keep those two players quiet.” He also pointed out the form of other players, stating: “Martinelli and Trossard aren’t quite performing, Havertz isn’t where he was a few months ago. There’s been a drop off from Declan Rice – that balance isn’t quite right.” Warnock further commented on Arsenal’s playing style, observing: “There’s a lot to be said about the way Arsenal have played, I think it’s been slower and not as dynamic and quick.” He concluded by suggesting: “They’ve tried to control games a little bit more and it’s gone against them in a way.”