Hargreaves Questions Arteta’s Call as Arsenal Fall to Man United
Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has voiced his surprise over Mikel Arteta’s decision to substitute Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard during the Gunners’ dramatic 3–2 defeat to Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday.
With Arsenal trailing 2–1 in the second half at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta opted to withdraw Ødegaard and introduce Mikel Merino, a move that immediately raised eyebrows among pundits and fans alike. United were already sitting deep, protecting their lead and limiting space between the lines.
Reacting after the match, Hargreaves did not hide his dissatisfaction with the decision, insisting that Ødegaard was exactly the kind of player Arsenal needed at that moment.
“I was surprised,” Hargreaves said on Premier League Productions.
“Odegaard is the one to pick a pass because Manchester United were sitting deep.
“He’s the player you want in tight spaces. When teams drop back, you need creativity more than anything.”
Arsenal ultimately failed to find a late equaliser and suffered a rare home defeat, allowing the title race to tighten once again.
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Arteta has earned praise this season for his sharp in-game management, but this substitution felt like a gamble that didn’t pay off. Ødegaard is not just Arsenal’s captain; he is their creative heartbeat, especially against low-block defences.
While fresh legs can sometimes change a game, removing your best passer when chasing a goal is a move that naturally invites scrutiny. In matches where space is limited, control and vision often matter more than energy or physical presence.
That said, one decision does not define Arteta’s progress or Arsenal’s title credentials. The Gunners remain in a strong league position and will have a quick chance to respond when they face Kairat in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.
Still, this moment serves as a reminder: in the biggest games, your best creators are often the last players you want off the pitch. Fans will hope lessons are learned as Arsenal push forward on multiple fronts.
