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Controversy Erupts Over Ødegaard's Player of the Match Honor

12/8/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Martin Keown, pundit, selected Martin Ødegaard of Arsenal as Player of the Match in Aston Villa's win, sparking controversy.
Emi Buendia of Aston Villa scored a last-minute goal, and Prince William publicly disagreed Buendia deserved the honor.
Keown acknowledged the upset, saying he chose before the dramatic finish.
Paul Scholes criticized Keown's commentary as biased toward Arsenal, and fans expressed frustration at favoritism; Villa's win marked ninth home victory.

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Story summary

Martin Keown, pundit, selected Martin Ødegaard of Arsenal as Player of the Match in Aston Villa's win, sparking controversy.
Emi Buendia of Aston Villa scored a last-minute goal, and Prince William publicly disagreed Buendia deserved the honor.
Keown acknowledged the upset, saying he chose before the dramatic finish.
Paul Scholes criticized Keown's commentary as biased toward Arsenal, and fans expressed frustration at favoritism; Villa's win marked ninth home victory.