Mikel Arteta lost Martin Odegaard to injury during the 5-0 win over Leeds United.
The Arsenal No.8 was forced off in the 38th minute due to a shoulder problem, with Ethan Nwaneri coming on to replace the Norway international.
It was 1-0 when this change occurred, with the Gunners eventually going on to hammer Leeds United and record a 5-0 win.
During the emphatic Premier League victory, Arsenal fans all noticed the same thing about Martin Odegaard and the England U21 international.
Arsenal fans say Ethan Nwaneri is more impactful than Martin Odegaard
A large number of fans on X (previously known as Twitter) felt Nwaneri injected more life into Arsenal in an attacking sense compared to the Norwegian.
It comes after Arsenal fans also criticised Odegaard after the 1-0 win over Manchester United last week, feeling he left Viktor Gyokeres down.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
In the moments after Nwaneri came on, one fan wrote: “Arsenal suddenly look better in attack with Ethan Nwaneri on the pitch. I love Odegaard but he slows the game down too much for a ten, and he takes (fewer) risks.”
Arsenal suddenly look better in attack with Ethan Nwaneri on the pitch. I love Odegaard but he slows the game too much for a 10. And he takes less risks.
— Emmanuel Chike Manuel (@Manuelchike) August 23, 2025
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Another asked: “Is it just me or is Nwaneri more effective than Odegaard?”
A third Arsenal fan simply posted “Nwaneri is more direct than Odegaard” as another added “Nwaneri (is) quickening the play with one touch and we look considerably better” – the scoreline certainly supports this argument.
Nwaneri is more direct than odegard.
— tricky7 (@patricide022) August 23, 2025
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Nwaneri quickening the play with one touch and we look considerably better…
— R🌵 (@rkdbrx) August 23, 2025
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A fifth fan noticed how the Arsenal No.22 drove into gaps, posting: “Look how Nwaneri went into the space to do something. Lost the ball but it shakes the organisation of Leeds. That’s what I want.
“I don’t care if you lose the ball but try (this is for No.8 – Odegaard).
Look how Nwaneri went into the space to try to do something. Lost the ball but it shakes the organisation of Leeds. That’s what you want. I don’t care if you lose the ball but try.
(This is for n8)
— Maaz🇵🇸 (@CrMaaz1) August 23, 2025
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Another simply wrote: “Nwaneri > Odegaard.”
How Martin Odegaard and Ethan Nwaneri compared statistically in Arsenal 5-0 Leeds United
Nwaneri – who Chelsea wanted to sign – obviously received 60 more minutes of playing time, but his impact was immense.
The Hale End graduate completed two of his attempted three dribbles – Odegaard failed to attempt one – while also completing 100% of his passes, keeping possession well and looking to use the ball with intent.
CategoryEthan NwaneriMartin OdegaardTop statisticsGoals00Assists00Total shots1 (blocked)2 (one blocked – one off target)Accurate passes26/26 (100%)20/21 (95%)Chances created00AttackTouches4228Accurate crosses0/10/2Dispossessed63Dribbles2/30/0DefenceTackles won11Clearances00Interceptions00Dribbled past00DuelsGround duels won3/62/2Aerial duels won0/00/0Was fouled01Fouls committed00(Sofascore)
Of course, it would be harsh to put the blame entirely on Odegaard for Arsenal enduring a slow start against Leeds, and he should still be respected as the captain – even if Tony Adams thinks Declan Rice should have the armband instead.
It is – however – becoming harder for Arteta to ignore Nwaneri, who displays an immense amount of talent almost every single time he appears for Arsenal.
The Gunners have also just tied the 18-year-old down to a contract running until 2030, a negotiation that is believed to have involved some assurances over playing time.