Martin Odegaard believes the pain of three second-place finishes in the Premier League is helping fuel Arsenal’s title push this season, even if those near misses have added an extra layer of pressure.
Following Sunday’s 3-2 defeat to Manchester United, the post-match debate has centred on whether Mikel Arteta’s side has the stomach to go the distance. Some have pointed to the current three-game winless run as evidence that tension is beginning to creep in, as it has at similar points in the past three campaigns. Others have dismissed talk of a crisis, highlighting Arsenal’s record of just three defeats in 35 games and the inconsistency of the chasing pack as signs that this season could yet break the pattern.
On the noise surrounding the club’s title challenge, Odegaard said: “Obviously, it is a factor. But it can be a good factor as well.
“It gives you more fuel and more hunger and determination to get it done. I think we have experienced in all those seasons that it is a long run and a lot of things happen. [We need to] be together now. Look for the next game and bounce back.”
Titles may not be won in the winter months, but they can certainly be lost. Having worked hard to build a points cushion, Arsenal will be keen not to surrender any more of it with so much football still to be played.
How they play that football is also subject to discussion. That the Gunners have struggled to replicate their free-flowing cup performances in the league speaks to the competitiveness of England’s top flight, where many sides prioritise stifling opponents before imposing their own game.
While supporters at the Emirates have grown accustomed to teams sitting deep and counter-attacking, and have not baulked at Arteta leaning on set pieces to break games open, there is a growing concern that Arsenal have become too conservative and predictable in the face of stubborn resistance.
Given the club’s heavy investment in attacking players over the summer, those issues were meant to have been addressed, but they have resurfaced, fuelling a sense of déjà vu that is driving frustration.
Despite that, Odegaard played down suggestions that tension in the stands was affecting performances.
“I didn’t feel that, to be honest,” reflected the captain. “I was so focused on the game. The important thing is to stay in the moment. We can’t listen too much to the expectations and everything around it. We weren’t good enough [against United] and we have to learn from that.”
Arteta pointed to a failure to do simple things properly, a view his midfielder, who was substituted with 30 minutes remaining, appeared to share.
“We opened the game pretty well, scored a goal and had some other good moments in and around the box,” noted Odegaard.
“There were a few moments where we let them run too easily and probably play on their strengths too much. We know they are good on the counter and we let them do that a bit too easily at times.
“In the second half, the momentum changed a little bit. They won a lot of the duels, a lot of the 50-50 balls and managed to create the momentum from there. That is definitely something we can improve.”
The questions Arsenal face now are not new ones. Can they stay patient when games refuse to open up? Can they maintain their level when momentum turns against them? And can they block out the noise long enough to focus on what comes next, rather than what has gone before?
For Odegaard, the answer lies in togetherness and short-term thinking. The margins may feel increasingly tight, but the season is still in Arsenal’s hands.