Without Martin Odegaard, Arsenal is so much worse in attack. Mikel Arteta has disguised the lack of a leader - through sometimes switching to clearly defensive mode, sometimes set pieces, and at times the individual exploits of Bukayo Saka.

 Over time, it is impossible to sustain the usual level of success either. The percentage of wins falls from 73.7% to 50%, and the rhythm of scoring points-from 2.4 to 1.7.

The best reflection of this crisis was the meeting with Newcastle. Having opened Arsenal, of course, had to score, but instead of some traditional triangles on the flanks - the more effective and well-coordinated one was based on the right with Odegaard and Saka - we saw predictable passes to the wingers so that maybe something would be decided by one of them.

Odegaard creates himself, and makes the team less predictable, connecting the entire right side of the field with timely dashes and combinations. It is time to admit: without him Arsenal suffers and doesn't play football.