Odegaard opens up on devastating Arsenal title collapse

Despite their best Premier League finish in years, Arsenal had to deal with the bitter taste of losing the title after leading the league for most of the season. The runners-up will return next year with fire in their bellies, and have secured Champions League football for the first time since 2016.

Captain Martin Odegaard opened up about how it felt to lose the top spot to 'Viaplay' and acknowledged how tight the race was: "We competed against the team that has won it all, it was tight and even at the end, especially in the three games (that Arsenal drew), we lost momentum. There are so many things that can affect the season, we were close and we must use the disappointment to go closer".

He hopes to use the disappointment as motivation, much as the Gunners did the season before, losing out on the final Champions League spot last year to local rivals Tottenham in the final game of the season.

"I think this will bother me for the rest of my life. We were very close, I almost managed to achieve my dream, I think it will be painful for the rest of my life but we have to try again next year", he declared.

Arsenal's young skipper was hugely important for his team, putting away 15 goals and assisting eight others. But while he recognised his individual successes, it's not enough for the ambitious playmaker.

"This was a good season for me, I have delivered well and scored several goals. I have been more important to the team, it’s been good but of course a tough end to the season which still hurts. So I have mixed feelings", he finished.

 

June 24, 2023