“Excruciatingly painful to watch Arsenal” Former Tottenham Hotspur man admits he wishes Gunners to struggle after Christmas

“Excruciatingly painful to watch Arsenal” Former Tottenham Hotspur man admits he wishes Gunners to struggle after Christmas

This season in the English Premier League, Mikel Arteta’s squad has been in exemplary form.

They are in first place, five points ahead of second-place Manchester City, after accumulating 37 points in 14 games.

They have scored the second-most goals in the division (33) and allowed the fewest (11), while their style has been possibly the most captivating in England.

Garth Crooks, a former Tottenham Hotspur man, acknowledged that it has been tough for him to witness Arteta’s squad’s success and that he wished they would struggle after the holiday break. In a BBC column, he said:

“I must say I’m finding all this success on this side of north London excruciatingly painful but that will only add to the joy of Arsenal fans. My only hope is that not all teams top of the table at Christmas go on to win the title.

Garth Crooks offers glowing assessment of Arsenal star who ‘never over-celebrates’ 

Garth Crooks continued by praising Arsenal star Martin Odegaard, stating that the Norwegian has been a vital part of the Gunners’ successful season.

Odegaard, the attacking midfielder, has been at the center of nearly every positive move made by the Premier League leaders this season. He has kept the game flowing with his short passes, generated scoring opportunities, and scored goals as well. 

On Sunday (November 13), the former Real Madrid player scored twice to help North London defeat Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0 away from home.

Crooks kept the Norwegian international in his three-man midfield for the BBC team of the week, praising his contribution to Mikel Arteta’s side. The former center-forward for Stoke City stated:

“The more I see this player the more I like him. Cool under pressure, never over-celebrates and, dare I say it, brings a touch of elegance to an Arsenal side that is showing more class than I’m used to seeing from the Gunners.

“It would seem goals, clean sheets and a touch of sophistication in midfield from Martin Odegaard are combining to keep Arsenal top of the table.”

Odegaard, who wears the captain’s armband for the Londoners, has contributed six goals and two assists in 13 Premier League games this season.

“Excruciatingly painful to watch Arsenal” Former Tottenham Hotspur man admits he wishes Gunners to struggle after Christmas