Martin Odegaard grabbed a first half brace that set Arsenal on their way to a comfortable 3-0 win against Bournemouth. After the match, the Norwegian faced the Sky Sports cameras.
Here’s what he had to say…
On how well Arsenal played…
It was really solid from start to the end. We came out and dominated the game completely, we created some good chances, scored some good goals and it looks good, looks solid. I’m happy for the three points again, let’s keep going.
On the importance of making a quick start…
Yeah, of course, we know it’s always difficult to come to these places and we’ve struggled before in these kind of games, today was a lot better and from the start we were so sharp and so aggressive. It was good from start to finish.
On adding more goals to his game…
Yeah, always looking to improve, you know. Hopefully, I can improve from last season and help the team even more. That’s the aim.
On whether Jesus has forgiven him for stealing his scoring opportunity in the build-up to his second goal…
Yeah, yeah, yeah. He was okay with it, he said I was in a better position. He was fine. I tried to give him one back but unfortunately, it was a close offside at the end. That’s football.
On Jesus’ attacking threat…
Absolutely, he’s not just about the goals, he gives us so much in the play as well. He drops down to combine and he’s brilliant in a lot of phases of the game, it’s amazing to play with him, we’re really lucky to have him.
On how much stronger he thinks Arsenal are…
If you compare us to last season, we’re a little bit ahead at the moment. It looks good, but we have to stay calm, stay humble, keep working hard and take it game by game and see where it takes us. We’re happy at the moment.
Great performance from the team collectively and the captain individually. There is a good vibe around our club and long may it continue!
He got sl*gged off in the earlier matches, not so bad now…
I actually think (and yeah, I know I’m an Øde-stan) that the first goal is a much, much better finish than it seems. It comes at him so fast and he has to beat a couple of defenders on the line with the placement.
First time pass to the back of the net. That’s bread and butter for our Odegaard, he’s pure class!
The team is without a doubt stronger than last season. We have done well in the market. We bought early, had good pre-season and have been lucky with injuries. Long may the last one continue.
If we can trim the squad further, and bring in Tielemans and a LW, I will boldly tip us for a title challenge and favourites for Europa League.
The gengenpress seems to be getting to Liverpool!
The word “transformative” is used a lot with respect to Jesus and Arsenal, and it’s a perfect descriptor. Other additions have been fantastic, but he makes us a different team completely. Took four Bournemouth players out of the play for that first goal. Martinelli’s run behind gets tracked and move amounts to nothing without what Jesus did, and all due respect to Laca and others, they simply can’t do what Jesus did there. Changed the entire game with that bit of genius.
Agree, RW instead of LW though, I think Martinelli and The Smith have that covered 🙂
Exactly. RW was on my mind really.
add to that the incredible improvement of a player like Xhaka, Tielemans would be a luxury at the moment!
Odegaard, Arteta and the team focus on their hard work and humility.
So we get to sit back and enjoy their collective brilliance and bask in the glory that is the new Arsenal. Thanks guys!
Great mindset on him, something you see start with Arteta and get repeated by the players. Stay humble. One game at a time.
Yeah, humility is the key word here.
Ode and the team can stay humble, I shall be basking and gloating and staying high in general good feeling for as long as I can!
Very well grounded player. Tactically head and shoulders above plenty. It’s his humility that pervades. My Captains choice since day 1 I saw him play for Arsenal