The Arsenal Player Paul Scholes Thinks Is Causing Them Issues

Paul Scholes has singled out one particular Arsenal player as they struggle for attacking flow in the Premier League.

While Viktor Gyokeres has taken much of the criticism, Scholes believes the real issue lies elsewhere in Mikel Arteta’s attack.

Paul Scholes on Arsenal’s Attacking Problems

Arsenal’s recent goal tally looks respectable at first glance. The Gunners have scored 15 goals in their last six matches across all competitions, but only two of those have come in the Premier League.

Much has been made of Arsenal’s open-play creativity problems and their reliance on generating goals through set-pieces.

That has been clear in recent league games, where Arsenal have dominated possession without creating enough clear chances.

The issue was less visible in the Champions League, where Arsenal overwhelmed Kairat with opportunities but still failed to fully capitalise.

They generated over 4.6 xG but converted three times in the 3-2 victory, rounding off Arsenal’s perfect Champions League campaign in the league phase.

But amid their wobbly Premier League form, Scholes does not believe the striker is the main problem.

Martin Odegaard ‘the Problem’ Says Paul Scholes

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Scholes argued that Martin Odegaard’s positioning is hurting Arsenal’s attack.

“I would say Odegaard could be the problem, because Odegaard plays as a number 10,” Scholes said. “It’s his job to make your team play good attacking football.”

While praising Odegaard’s technical quality, Scholes criticised his tendency to drop too deep. “Technically, he’s brilliant. He’s good to watch. But he drops into the midfield too much,” he said.

Scholes explained that elite attacking teams keep their creators close to the box. “You think about teams that win the league, Liverpool, Manchester City. They’re exciting because of players like David Silva and Phil Foden receiving the ball on the edge of the box.”

He added that this also affects the striker. “It kills your centre forward as well. The centre forward’s got nobody to play with.”

Why Arsenal’s Striker Is Being Isolated

Odegaard’s struggles have been compounded by a difficult season physically – he just hasn’t been able to find rhythm.

Shoulder problems early in the campaign were followed by a knee injury that kept him out for several weeks.

Since returning, he has produced a few strong performances but has lacked consistency. That drop-off has coincided with Arsenal’s difficulty in supporting Gyokeres, who has often been left isolated in central areas.

Scholes’ view is that the issue is structural rather than individual finishing.

Is Kai Havertz the Answer for Arsenal?

Some Arsenal fans have called for Eberechi Eze to replace Odegaard, but that may not be the right solution.

Eze has looked uncomfortable as a right-sided number eight and is far more effective on the left – either in the middle where Declan Rice operates or drifting inside from the wing.

Kai Havertz, however, offered something different when used in Odegaard’s role against Kairat. His intelligent movement closer to the penalty area helped link play and brought Gyokeres into the game.

Whether Havertz becomes a regular option there will depend on his fitness, but Scholes may have a point with his comments.

For Arsenal, the problem may not be who finishes the chances, but who is creating them in the right areas.