Danny Murphy admits he thinks £34m Arsenal star just doesn’t do enough in big games

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Danny Murphy has admitted that it is probably fair to suggest that Martin Odegaard does not do enough in the big games for Arsenal.

Murphy was asked by Anton Ferdinand whether Martin Odegaard makes a big enough contribution for the Gunners in their most important games in the latest episode of The Take On.

Odegaard, of course, had a bit of a nightmare evening as Mikel Arteta’s side were beaten by Aston Villa at the weekend to miss out on the chance to go back to the top of the Premier League table.

Danny Murphy says Martin Odegaard doesn’t show up enough in the big games for Arsenal

The Norwegian has been an outstanding captain for the Gunners. He has been an inspired signing at £34 million. And he has produced a number of big performances for Arsenal since making the move from Real Madrid.

But after passing up two brilliant opportunities against the Villans, there does appear to be a question mark over Odegaard’s form, particularly on the bigger stages.

And Danny Murphy conceded that the 24-year-old needs to be more when asked whether he does actually do enough in their most important games.

“Well, I think you’d have to say no, really,” he told The Take On. “Because the big games are the ones against your rivals, aren’t they, like last year, City, they got done twice. He did alright at Anfield. They got a draw.

“So probably that can be labelled a little bit at him. I still think he’s a key component. He’s easy watching, Odegaard. So I think the big games are going to come for Arsenal in the second-half of the season. So we’ll see. But he’d still be one of the first choices on the team sheet.

“Yeah, I think it’s a fair label, can he do a bit more in those games.”

Skipper can do more, but he’s played a massive part in Gunners’ progress already

It would be unfair to say that Odegaard goes missing in all of the big games. One of his best displays last season came in the win at Newcastle late last season when the title race was still in the balance.

His form over the course of this campaign has not been good enough. But his quality is in absolutely no doubt. It was his cross which allowed Declan Rice to head home the 97th minute winner at Luton this month.

Obviously, that is a hurdle Arsenal would have expected to clear. But it was a piece of real quality in a big moment in the Gunners’ season.

He needs to do more in those decisive games Arsenal have coming up. But he has played a massive role in taking the Gunners to the level they now find themselves at.