Martin Odegaard should be STRIPPED of the Arsenal captaincy following PSG horror show, says former MOTD pundit

MARTIN ODEGAARD should be stripped of the Arsenal captaincy, according to ex-Match of the Day pundit Mark Lawrenson.

The former defender did not hold back after ‘s underwhelming display in Arsenal’s semi-final first leg defeat to .

‘s side were after struck early to give the French giants a crucial away win.

Odegaard struggled to influence the game, out of 27 attempts – his lowest total in any match this season.

Lawrenson reckons the pressure of being captain is affecting the Norwegian’s performances.

He told Paddy Power : “The captain’s armband should be taken away from Odegaard, so he can get back to focusing on his performances.

“We all know that he’s a good player, but he’s just had a six out of 10 season.”;

Odegaard, 25, has worn the armband since 2022 after and has been a integral part of Arteta’s leadership group.

But Lawrenson believes there is a better candidate in the ranks.

He added: “If you gave the armband instead, you imagine that it wouldn’t affect his performances, especially considering he was captain at .

“I’d give it to Rice so Odegaard can focus on improving his performances.”;

Odegaard has registered just one assist in his last eight matches and was largely anonymous against PSG, as Arsenal failed to find a breakthrough.

Lawrenson believes Rice proved he can cope with captaincy at West Ham

Lawrenson, 66, made over 300 appearances for Liverpool and won five league titles during his career.

He spent years on the sofa analysing performances – and he’s not convinced Odegaard is the right man to lead the Gunners.

The second leg in Paris takes place next Wednesday, with Arsenal needing a big turnaround to keep their European dream alive.