Fair point about the over-performing last season which is a credit to Martin himself firstly and I agree that he’s not actually in a bad form, just less effective.

problem here is that when we’re not compressed in the opposition 3rd where he’s sitting in the pockets, he offers little else beyond his decent pressing.

I feel like this is another consequence of Martin being so good last season. A lot of fans have said that teams have mostly worked out Arsenal towards the latter part of last season, hence why Mikel’s experimentations this season.

One of the key elements to Arsenal’s attacking flair was the connection between Ode and Saka - this was particularly effect at the early to mid parts of the season. However as mentioned, teams kind of found out this mostly successful recipe and doubled on Saka and man marked Ode to harass him as much as possible.

Also it’s important to consider that this Arsenal team haven’t even fully synchronized and firing in all cylinders yet this season. If Arsenal can reach the similar peak form from last season, I think it will also positively coincide with Martin’s form going up.

Like we see Kai as a tactical choice to play a certain way, Odegaard must be viewed the same.

Again it’s a fair point and I do agree with it but the only caveat and drawback to this is that Ode is the captain. Generally dropping a captain isn’t ideal and last thing Mikel needs right now is more media outlets creating hyperbolic drama.