Martin Odegaard’s Lingering Heartbreak: Arsenal’s Missed Premier League Triumph
Martin Odegaard is still ‘HURT’ by Arsenal’s failure to win the Premier League, and his’sour emotion’ has kept him from witnessing his Norwegian teammate Erling Haaland’s spectacular triumph celebrations.
Norway captain Martin Odegaard admits he’s still reeling from Arsenal’s failure to win the English Premier League title as he prepares to face Scotland on Saturday.
Odegaard was in excellent form for his team last season, but he finished without a medal after Mikel Arteta’s side was thrashed by Manchester City.
The 24-year-old midfield playmaker is now hoping to end the summer on a high note by resurrecting Norway’s hopes of qualifying for Euro 2024.
Odegaard avoided seeing teammate Erling Haaland celebrate City’s Treble success due to his unhappiness with Arsenal’s late-season slump.
‘I’ve tried not to see as much of that material there because it still hurts,’ Odegaard explained. ‘I try not to worry about it too much. ‘Despite the fact that we had a very fantastic season for a long time, I am left with a sour sensation.’
Norway, who also play Cyprus on Tuesday, really needs a win over Steve Clarke’s side after gaining just one point from their first two Group A games against Spain and Georgia.
And coach Stale Solbakken isn’t downplaying the significance of tomorrow’s game at Ullevaal Stadium.
‘We are under pressure before that game,’ he admitted. ‘It looks better with a win. With a loss, it looks difficult compared to Scotland. We cannot hide the fact that this is an important and decisive match.
‘If we get six points from the two games, it’s turned upside down again. Then Spain is in trouble, too. Then Norway has beaten Scotland, Scotland has beaten Spain and Spain has beaten Norway.’
