“He Didn’t Track Back in Time for Fulham’s Goal” – Martin Ødegaard Slams ‘Shaky’ Teammate After Disappointing Draw

Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard has called out a key teammate for his pivotal mistakes that contributed to the Gunners’ inability to secure three much-needed points against Fulham on Sunday evening. Ødegaard was particularly scathing about the player’s defensive lapses and missed opportunity in front of goal during a frustrating clash at Craven Cottage.

A Missed Opportunity in the Title Race

Arsenal had the chance to close the gap to just four points behind Liverpool, especially with Jurgen Klopp’s side enjoying a weekend off due to Storm Darragh. However, Mikel Arteta’s men faltered, dropping points in a performance that felt uninspired and disjointed.

Things began poorly for the visitors when Raul Jimenez capitalized on defensive lapses to give Fulham the lead early on. Although William Saliba equalized with a well-worked set-piece goal—his second in consecutive games—it wasn’t enough to push Arsenal toward victory. Despite dominating possession and creating a number of chances, the team struggled to find a winner. Bukayo Saka thought he had secured a dramatic late lead, but VAR ruled out Gabriel Martinelli’s effort for offside, ending the celebrations.

Bright Performances Amidst Frustrations

Despite the result, there were shining moments from a few key players. William Saliba once again proved his importance with his composed equalizer. His goal came from a smart assist by Kai Havertz, highlighting his consistency in key moments.

Declan Rice also impressed, building on his strong performance against Manchester United earlier this week. His ability to dictate tempo, complete 98% of his passes, and deliver pinpoint crosses and key passes stood out, proving his value in the midfield.

Kiwior’s Struggles Prove Costly

However, one Arsenal player had a performance that will likely haunt him for some time. Jakub Kiwior, filling in for the injured Gabriel, had a shaky afternoon. His inability to track back in time allowed Fulham’s opening goal to stand. A pass from Kenny Tete found Raul Jimenez, and Kiwior hesitated between intercepting and marking, ultimately allowing the Mexican striker to slot past David Raya.

Kiwior’s stats reflect his difficult afternoon—he completed 89% of his passes but failed to win a single aerial duel, didn’t make a tackle, and was dribbled past once. His performance under pressure showed cracks in his defensive consistency, leaving fans and coaches questioning his role ahead of crucial Champions League fixtures against Monaco.

Final Thoughts: Mixed Performances with Title Implications

While some players showed sparks of promise, Arsenal’s defensive lapses and missed opportunities mean the title race remains wide open. Arteta and his coaching staff will have to assess their options as they look toward the next matches and aim to find consistency in their performances.

For now, the spotlight is on addressing defensive frailties and maximizing the opportunities to close the gap on Liverpool as the race heats up.