‘We will keep going’ – Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard declares after setback at Man City
Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard has urged the Gunners to block out the “noise” and remain focused on their own game following a difficult stretch in the title race.
The North Londoners suffered a heartbreaking setback to their title ambitions on Sunday as Manchester City secured a 2-1 victory in a high-stakes top-of-the-table clash. The result leaves Arsenal’s quest for silverware in further jeopardy as the gap at the top narrows.
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Speaking after the defeat at the Etihad, Ødegaard acknowledged that the team is under immense pressure to turn their fortunes around as the title race goes down to the wire.
Pressure
“There is always that pressure in football. Always noise. That is part of being a football player at this level,” he stated.
The Norwegian international emphasised that the squad will not dwell on the loss to Pep Guardiola’s side. Instead, they are shifting their full attention to the challenges ahead.
Keep going
“We are going to keep going and focus on ourselves. We’ll look forward to the next game and move on. That’s all we are going to do,” he told Sky Sports.
When asked whether he still believes Arsenal can clinch the Premier League title despite the recent results, the Norwegian was emphatic: “Of course!,” he retorted.
His sentiments come after their nemesis, Manchester City, closed the gap between them to three points back with a game in hand.
Buoyed by the win against the leaders on Sunday, Pep Guardiola has challenged his team not to rest on their laurels but focus on finishing the task with calculated precision heading into the final rounds of fixtures.
Pep on City win
Speaking on Sunday, April 19, 2026, after the famous victory, the Spaniard warned of adopting a complacent approach.
“The reality is just one thing: they are top of the league. One ahead on goal difference. We have to enjoy it, celebrate it, and take the good things. But don’t lose the focus. In three days we go to Burnley,” he stated.
The gaffer also dismissed criticism and speculation about Arsenal’s form heading to the league homestretch, asserting that the Londoners remain a formidable team going by their performances and position in the domestic league and status as Champions League semifinalists.
“Momentum changes. People said to me that the momentum from Arsenal is bad. What I saw today wasn’t bad momentum. They are in the semi-final of the Champions League, where they haven’t lost a single game. Momentum shifts in one instance,” he explained.
