Arsenal urged to take captaincy away from Martin Odegaard and appoint a new leader in his place

The fallout from Arsenal’s 1-0 Champions League semi-final first-leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain at the Emirates Stadium has triggered a new wave of scrutiny—and this time, it’s the club captain, Martin Ødegaard, who finds himself in the firing line.

Ousmane Dembélé’s early goal gave PSG a narrow advantage heading into the second leg at the Parc des Princes, and while Arsenal still have everything to play for, fans and pundits alike have turned their attention to individual performances. One name that has come up repeatedly in discussions is that of Ødegaard.

Once seen as a beacon of leadership and creativity under Mikel Arteta, Ødegaard is now facing calls from sections of the fanbase—and even former professionals—for the captain’s armband to be handed to someone else, at least temporarily. The Norwegian midfielder completed just 20 of his 27 passes during the match against PSG, marking his lowest completion rate this season and leading some to question whether the weight of the captaincy is affecting his form.

Among the loudest critics is former Liverpool defender and Match of the Day pundit, Mark Lawrenson. Speaking in an interview with Paddy Power, Lawrenson didn’t mince words: “Odegaard should have the armband taken off him so he can focus on getting back to his best. He’s a quality player, but this season he’s only been a six out of ten.”

Lawrenson went further, suggesting that England international Declan Rice would be a more natural fit for the role of Arsenal captain. Rice, who captained West Ham United before his big-money move to North London, has already established himself as a midfield general in Arteta’s setup and consistently delivers high-level performances, even in pressure-filled fixtures.

“If you give the armband to Rice, it likely wouldn’t affect his game,” Lawrenson added. “He’s got experience leading a team and doesn’t shy away from big moments. It could even help Odegaard regain his confidence.”

While Ødegaard has not publicly responded to the criticism, sources close to the Arsenal camp suggest that the 25-year-old is aware of the murmurs and is determined to let his football do the talking in the second leg against PSG.

Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, has remained tight-lipped on the subject, reiterating his support for Ødegaard as the club’s leader earlier in the season. However, the growing noise from fans and pundits may force the Spanish manager to rethink the leadership dynamics in the dressing room, especially if the Gunners fall short in Europe.

Supporters have taken to social media to voice their mixed opinions. While some feel Ødegaard is still the right man to lead the club, others believe a temporary shift in captaincy could unburden him and allow him to focus on rediscovering his form. One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “We love Ødegaard, but leadership is about momentum. Right now, Rice has it.”

Arsenal’s next challenge comes in the Premier League, where they face Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium. A win would help them solidify second place as they chase down Manchester City. However, many eyes will be on Ødegaard—not just to see how he performs, but also to observe any subtle changes in leadership dynamics.

The debate over captaincy is not a new one at Arsenal. In the post-Wenger era, the armband has changed hands multiple times—from Granit Xhaka to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and then to Ødegaard. Arteta has repeatedly emphasized the importance of a “leadership group,” suggesting that the armband itself is symbolic of a wider collective responsibility.

Still, symbolism or not, the captain wears the pressure, especially on European nights where legacy is defined. Ødegaard’s struggles in such a crucial match have reignited the broader question: should the captaincy reflect form, leadership qualities, or both?

Declan Rice certainly ticks both boxes. His performances have been steady and authoritative since his arrival, and his vocal presence on the pitch has often lifted Arsenal in difficult moments. His experience as West Ham’s skipper—leading them to a UEFA Conference League triumph—has shown he can carry pressure with composure.

If Arteta does decide to make a change, it could be one of the most sensitive decisions of his managerial tenure. Shifting the armband away from Ødegaard, who is widely respected in the dressing room, could risk disrupting the team’s harmony. Yet, sticking with a struggling captain may have consequences of its own, especially in a high-stakes period like this.

As the second leg in Paris looms, the narrative surrounding Ødegaard is bound to grow. A captain’s role is more than symbolic—it’s about lifting the team when it matters most. If Ødegaard rises to the occasion, he may silence critics. But if his form dips again, Arteta could be left with no choice but to consider a leadership reshuffle.

Ultimately, Arsenal’s pursuit of silverware this season might hinge not just on tactics and goals—but on tough decisions about who leads the team, both on and off the pitch.

Would you keep Ødegaard as captain or hand the reins to Declan Rice?