Martin Odegaard He said he accepts the defeat of last month Manchester City has made armory they aim to be a better team Premier League And Europa League Vaibhav.
the armory was City beat 3-1 at home On 15 February, Pep Guardiola’s team went top of the table for the first time since November, albeit having played one game more.
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It was a potentially significant blow to Arsenal, but they responded in flawless fashion, winning their next five league matches to open up a five-point lead over City.
after a 2-2 draw in first legArsenal will face Sporting Lisbon at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday in their Europa League round-of-16 tie, aiming to reach the quarter-finals for the second time in three seasons.
Asked about Arsenal’s reaction to that City defeat, Odegaard told ESPN: “That’s what we’ve done all season. They’ll always be the people talking about us.
“When we had a few injuries people were talking but our focus was the same throughout. It was the same after Man City. I think we did a lot of things well in the game and we didn’t do well. That the last time we played them, we showed that we have improved a lot.
“We just wanted to bounce back the next day and make sure we’re even better. I think that’s the main thing about this team, we’re so hungry to improve every day.”
Odegaard said he thinks Arsenal have the ability to compete on two fronts, especially after signing jorginho From Chelsea And leandro trossard from Brighton in January for a total fee of £39 million.
“The last transfer window was really great,” said the midfielder. “The extra guys have really given a lot to the team in terms of different qualities.
“Even off the pitch, Jorginho is an experienced guy who’s won a lot of things. They all look great and are great additions to the team. You saw the other day [in Sunday’s 3-0 win at Fulham] All of them are great players.
“That’s the way this club is. When he came into the team, I think from day one he felt part of the team and the family. That’s what’s cool about this team, we’re so close and we all Adapt quickly. That’s what we did with the new signing as well.”
Odegaard was speaking after winning Premier League Player of the Year at Monday’s London Football Awards.
The accolade marks his remarkable transformation from a player loaned out repeatedly real Madrid – with mantra on Diamonds, Vitse And real sociedad – To the captain of Arsenal.
“I’m very happy, I think I’ve finally settled at a club,” said the 24-year-old, who initially joined Arsenal on loan in 2021 with a £30million permanent move later that year was raised ,
,[I’m] Just enjoying my football, enjoying being with the whole team. I don’t think I expected to be the captain. It went by very quickly, very nice. I felt good when I came here, I felt it immediately, I had this good feeling about the club even before I came here. And from day one when I came here, I felt at home.”
Asked if he spoke to former captains for advice on leading the team, Odegaard revealed a meeting with ex-Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas.
“At the club we have Mikel, who has been captain, also per Mertesacker. I met with Cesc Fabregas the other day. So I talk to some of them, but the main thing for me is to do it my way. Let’s do
“I want it to be my way and real and that’s what’s important to me: to do it how I want to do it. Of course, I take advice where I can but I want to be myself and do what I want.” It feels good to do the right thing at the right time. [I talked with Fabregas about] A little bit of everything really. It was the first time I met him so just a casual chat.
“I may not be the most vocal or shouting person but I am always looking for the best for the team. On the pitch, I really live the game. I think I am quite good at seeing tactical things on the pitch. Am.” And I always try to do the best things for the team.”