Pundit Michael Dawson has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the performances of Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz in the recent match against Lens.
Dawson observed Arsenal's 2-1 defeat in the Champions League, which was a surprising result for Mikel Arteta's team, as they had been unbeaten this season prior to the game.
The Gunners have not displayed their usual fluidity this season, partly due to adjustments in tactics from the previous year. Additionally, the integration of new signings Declan Rice and Kai Havertz into the squad has been a process.
While Rice has seamlessly adapted and continued his excellent form from his time at West Ham, Havertz has faced challenges, particularly because Arteta has deployed him in a deeper role compared to his position at Chelsea last season.
Dawson was critical of both Havertz and the typically reliable Martin Odegaard, who serve as Arsenal's primary creative forces in the midfield. With Bukayo Saka leaving the match due to injury, the onus was on Havertz and Odegaard to make an impact in the attacking third, but according to Dawson, they did not perform at their best.
“Not a lot is happening, I’ve been disappointed with Arsenal," Dawson said about the match last night, via TBR Football.
“So, credit to Lens who have nullified their threats and look a threat on the bench.
“[Martin] Odegaard has not been in the game, he hasn’t seen enough of it, and [Kai] Havertz has been poor," he added.
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