Odegaard: “An incredible opportunity for us” | Interview | News

Before every game at Emirates Stadium, Martin Odegaard lifts the lid on the mood in the camp via his captain’s notes published in the matchday programme.

Ahead of our game against Newcastle United, the skipper discusses last weekend’s game at Manchester City, the state of the title race, how his knee is feeling after his return and what we’re expecting from the Magpies. Here is a snippet:

It was obviously really frustrating in Manchester last weekend. We did a lot of good things and had the chances to win the game. It was a tight game, eventful – two really good teams going head-to-head and in the end it was decided by small margins.

I thought we were really good in the second half, and created some really good moments. We were able to put the pressure on them, but just couldn’t finish it off. I thought the high press was really good, and as the game went on we were really dangerous attacking the box. We created a few big chances, hit the post twice, but didn’t get the second goal and that’s where the game was decided.

Of course there are some positives to take, but when you go home with no points, you’re never going to be happy, especially at this time of the year. So let’s bounce back from that, put those things right and make sure we come back strongly for today’s game.

We are all fully aware what we need to do, what’s at stake and what position we are in. That’s our opportunity today. We are facing another strong side, one we know well, so it’s a chance to bounce back and keep going. We want to go all the way to the end and that’s what we’re going to do.

It’s just game by game and about being in the moment and trying to win every time you play. Our mentality is to keep going, because we always knew it was going to be hard right up to the very end. We are working hard, sticking together and looking forward to every game. It’s all to play for and it’s the best part of the season.

We all know what we are playing for and we are all determined and focused. There are a lot of games to be played, and at this time of the year, it’s just about feeling fresh and ready. We know what we’re playing for, so there’s no need to build up that motivation. It’s already there, that’s the easiest thing. You know what you are playing for, so that comes for free. Then after that, it’s just about getting the body and the mind right, keep fighting and be ready for the next game.

We’ve got five games left in the league now and it’s a good situation to be in. With the Champions League as well, there’s an incredible opportunity for us, so we will be giving everything for the remaining six weeks. That’s the situation you want to be in at the end of the season and we are there. We now just make sure we make the most out of every single day and every single game.

On a personal level it felt good to play 90 minutes at the weekend. I was tired afterwards, because it’s been a while since I played the full game. It’s been a weird season for me with injuries, and I haven’t played as many games as I would have liked, so I was definitely tired after the game. But apart from that, I felt good and the knee was fine. I’ve had a good reaction since then, too, so that’s positive.

Now all the focus is on playing Newcastle today. Whatever their form has been like, we know that they’re a tough team to play and on their day they can beat anyone. They’ve shown that in a lot of games. It’s true that they’re not where they want to be in the table, but it’s still a team full of quality, and it’s always a physical and tough battle against them.

Read the rest of Martin’s notes, as well as a host of other fantastic content, by buying the Arsenal v Newcastle programme either around the stadium or online.