Martin Odegaard insists Arsenal remain firmly in the hunt for the Premier League trophy despite a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
The result sees the Gunners’ lead at the top of the table cut to just three points. With Pep Guardiola’s side holding a game in hand to be played this Wednesday, the momentum in the title race appears to have shifted toward the North West.
However, the Arsenal captain remains adamant that the London club can bounce back.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, the Norwegian international highlighted the fine margins that separated the two heavyweights.
“Disappointed not to win. Obviously, we wanted to get a result and we were really up for it today. We played a good game, we pressed really well,” Odegaard said.
Arsenal produced a spirited display, particularly after the halftime break, but failed to convert their chances during a dominant period of play. Erling Haaland eventually secured the points for the hosts, leaving the visitors to rue what might have been.
“Especially in the second half we looked dangerous, big moments in front of the goal. Small margins to decide a game like this and we weren’t sharp enough in front of the goal and that’s why we go home with nothing,” Odegaard noted.
Despite the setback, the midfielder urged his teammates to ignore external scrutiny as they head into the final stretch of the season.
“That’s football at this level. It was always going to be like that. Very intense, very tough. Small margins. Frustrating but a lot of good things in the game from us. Now it’s about looking forward to the next game to bounce back,” he added.
Odegaard concluded by dismissing concerns over the mounting pressure on his young squad.
He noted, “There’s always pressure, always noise. That’s part of being a football player at this level. We’ll keep going, stay focused and look forward to the next game and move on. You have to live with that.”
