Martin Odegaard has acknowledged that his performances for Arsenal this season have not met his own high standards, particularly in terms of goals and assists. The club captain has been candid about his struggles, which were compounded by a two-month spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury from early September.
However, Odegaard delivered an inspired performance in Arsenal’s commanding 7-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League last-16 first leg, scoring twice and assisting once. As the team prepares for their upcoming Premier League clash against Manchester United, he hopes that this display will mark a turning point in his season.
Reflecting on his form, the 26-year-old admitted that he holds himself to high expectations. “I’m very used to people speaking about me, judging my performances, and I do that myself,” he said. “I’m harder on myself and I know that I have not been good enough, especially in front of goal. I work hard every day to improve it and I know I have the ability and the talent to do it. PSV Eindhoven was good and hopefully now I can do more towards the end of the season.”
Arsenal’s attacking options have been significantly weakened by injuries to key players, including Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus. The absence of these forwards has placed additional responsibility on the remaining players, making the comprehensive victory over PSV even more significant. Six different players found the net in that match, including makeshift forwards Ethan Nwaneri, Mikel Merino, and Leandro Trossard. Additionally, full-backs Jurriën Timber and Riccardo Calafiori also contributed to the scoreline.
For Odegaard, the numbers have not been as prolific as in previous campaigns. He has registered five goals and seven assists in 29 appearances across all competitions. Last season, his tally was 11 goals and 11 assists from 48 matches, while in 2022-23, he produced 15 goals and seven assists in 45 games. “With the players we have out, the rest of us have to step up even more,” he emphasized. “It’s a good thing we can share the goals and hopefully we can keep doing that.”
Once regarded as the standout fixture in English football, Arsenal’s upcoming encounter with Manchester United no longer carries the same weight due to the struggles of their opponents. United have been plagued by injuries and inconsistencies, particularly as they adjust to the tactical demands of their new system.
Their most impressive recent display came in the FA Cup, where they edged Arsenal in a penalty shootout on January 12. Despite showing glimpses of promise under their current manager, their league form has been a source of frustration, with performances at Old Trafford proving particularly disappointing.
When asked if United’s home ground still carried an aura of intimidation, Odegaard was measured in his response. “I don’t know,” he said. “I mean, they’re not where they want to be in the table. It’s a big club which has struggled a little bit. They have a lot of individual quality and when they play as a team, it’s challenging to play them. But we go there to win. We’re Arsenal and we’re not scared.”
