Odegaard: We Are Down, Not Out of Title Race

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has insisted that the Gunners remain firmly in the Premier League title race despite their 2-1 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Speaking after the match, Odegaard admitted the team was disappointed not to secure a result but stressed that Arsenal’s focus is on bouncing back.

‘We’re disappointed not to win. We wanted to come here and get a result. I thought we were really up for it today, we played a good game. We pressed them really well, we had some really good moments on the high press. Especially in the second half, we looked a lot more dangerous, had a few big moments in front of goal,’ he said.

The Norwegian midfielder acknowledged that small margins decided the game, with Arsenal failing to convert key chances.

‘It’s small margins to decide a game like this, we weren’t sharp enough in front of goal. That’s why we go home with nothing. That’s football at this level,’ Odegaard explained.

On Arsenal’s attacking approach, he praised the team’s pressing but admitted composure was lacking at crucial moments.

‘I thought the high press was really good. I felt like we were going to regain the ball and the danger was there. They have qualities that sometimes you’re going to end up deep, that’s the struggle against this team. I thought we did really well apart from the goals, maybe lacked a bit of composure at times.’

Despite the setback, the Arsenal captain reaffirmed his belief in the team’s title chances.

‘There’s always pressure in football, always noise. That’s a part of being a football player at this level, it’s completely normal to us.

‘We’re just going to keep going, stay focused on ourselves as we have done all season. We’ll look forward to the next game now, get a win there and move on. That’s a part of football, you have to live with that.’

Asked if he still believes Arsenal can win the league, Odegaard was emphatic: ‘Of course.’