Martin Odegaard offered his thoughts on a summer signing who has stood up in 2026 for Arsenal.
The club captain continues to communicate to fans through his programme notes for home fixtures. Before the Gunners go up against **Fulham**to try to move six points clear at the top of the Premier League, he opened up about the contributions of two teammates in a 1-0 win over Newcastle United.
‘He has brought a huge energy’
Eberechi Eze continues to deliver moments of magic in the new year, striking smartly from a short corner routine to hit the back of the net from the top of the box. But defensive discipline is still the standout feature of the side, and Piero Hincapie has given the group a different edge from left back.
“Since the final whistle on Wednesday, we’ve been looking forward to this game and concentrating on how we can get the three points. Energy is great at the training ground right now. Everyone is feeling we're close to something big and that gives you extra energy and extra fire every day in your work.
“We got a good result last weekend in our last game here at Emirates Stadium against Newcastle. It was an intense, tough game and the main thing was always to get the win and we managed that well.
“It's always tough to play against Newcastle, they are a very physical and organised side. Obviously they have quality as well, so there's going to be periods where they have the ball, but I thought we did well to get over the line and take another three points in a big game.
“At this stage of the season, it’s great to be able to rely on our defensive record, so it was important to keep another clean sheet. That’s a big strength we have.
“We know that we're so solid at the back and the clean sheet is always big in this league because it gives you a great chance of winning the game. That’s what happened last weekend.
“Obviously we would like to have scored a few more goals, but the main thing was to get the win and we got that. The way we defended was brilliant, throughout the team, and it’s great to see players like Piero Hincapie in their first season at the club have such a great impact.
“From the first day he came in, he’s brought a huge energy and he's so competitive. He always gives everything every day in training and every single game. You can see he really leaves everything out there – he’s so aggressive and good on the ball. He's a complete defender, and he has been a great addition to the team. To play at this level straight away in his first season in the league is brilliant.
Eze’s set-piece magic
“The goal was another top, top finish from Eberechi Eze – it’s another big goal he’s got for us. We always try to find ways to create chances and to score goals in training, and our goal last weekend was an example of that. We've scored a lot from set pieces and it's not always about just putting the ball in the box. There’s different ways to do it.
“If we can be more effective sometimes, then we want to be able to do all of it. The work at the training ground paid off for that goal and it’s always a great feeling when that happens.
“I know there may have been a few nerves for everyone watching in the final stages of the game, but I tell you it’s easier to cope with that when you are playing. You're focused on your job and what you have to do that you don’t think about anything else. You think about your job and do what you can.”