{"id":5284,"date":"2026-04-13T03:17:35","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T03:17:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/?p=5284"},"modified":"2026-04-13T03:17:35","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T03:17:35","slug":"pundit-questions-declan-rice-leadership-as-arsenal-miss-odegaard","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/?p=5284","title":{"rendered":"Pundit questions Declan Rice leadership as Arsenal miss Odegaard"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Arsenal\u2019s defeat to Bournemouth has sparked fresh debate around Declan Rice\u2019s leadership, with pundit Jan Age Fjortoft openly questioning his influence.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Rice has taken on added responsibility in the absence of Martin Odegaard. However, this latest result has shifted attention onto how Arsenal function without their captain. As a result, criticism has begun to surface at a crucial stage of the season.<\/p>\n

Fjortoft delivered a strong verdict after the match.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to mention another name: Declan Rice,\u201d he said. \u201cI see he gets the captain\u2019s armband and I talk to English pundits and apparently he\u2019s the biggest leader since Lord Nelson.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rice leadership role comes under pressure<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Focus has now turned to Rice\u2019s presence on the pitch. While he continues to contribute across midfield, leadership demands more than consistent performances.<\/p>\n

Fjortoft made that clear.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was the captain today but I didn\u2019t see that, I didn\u2019t see him doing that.\u201d<\/p>\n

That view will split opinion. Rice brings intensity and reliability, yet visible leadership requires organisation, communication and control during key moments.<\/a><\/p>\n

Therefore, expectations increase when he leads the side.<\/p>\n

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\ud83c\udf99Jan \u00c5ge Fj\u00f8rtoft criticised Declan Rice\u2019s performance against Bournemouth and said Arsenal are \u201cdesperately missing\u201d injured captain Martin Odegaard\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udde3\u2018I want to mention another name: Declan Rice,\u2019 Fjortoft added. \u2018I see he gets the captain\u2019s armband and I talk to\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/gsTZRV8SMq<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Arsenal Radar (@ArsenalRadar) April 12, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Arsenal miss Odegaard influence<\/strong><\/h2>\n

At the same time, Martin Odegaard\u2019s absence continues to affect Arsenal\u2019s structure. The captain plays a central role in dictating tempo and linking phases of play.<\/p>\n

Fjortoft pointed directly to that issue.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not saying this because he\u2019s Norwegian but I think they miss an in form Martin Odegaard.\u201d<\/p>\n

Arsenal have looked less fluid in possession and less composed under pressure. Consequently, the burden has shifted onto players like Rice to maintain control.<\/p>\n

Title race pressure increasing<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This criticism arrives at a decisive point in the season. Arsenal remain in the title race, yet recent results have reduced their margin for error.<\/p>\n

Because of that, leadership becomes even more important. Teams competing at the top must respond quickly and maintain consistency under pressure.<\/p>\n

Fjortoft added a final concern.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnfortunately he\u2019s having some problems with injuries this season but they\u2019re desperate to get him back because at the moment Declan Rice isn\u2019t producing either.\u201d<\/p>\n

Response will define Arsenal season<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Arsenal still control their position, yet the pressure has clearly increased. Every performance now carries added weight as the campaign enters its final phase.<\/p>\n

However, strong sides respond in moments like this. Rice has the opportunity to lead through action, while Odegaard\u2019s return could restore balance.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, the next few matches will define everything. Arsenal must respond immediately or risk letting the title slip away.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n