Martin Odegaard's "Champions League" plea goes unheard by Mikel Arteta

28 October 2023 , 13:13

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Martin Odegaard didn't start for Arsenal on Saturday (Image: Getty Images)

Martin Odegaard has been left out of Arsenal's starting XI against Sheffield United - despite comparing the fixture to a Champions League clash in his programme notes.

Mikel Arteta's title chasers are widely expected to win the Saturday's game, with the Blades picking up just one point from their first nine Premier League games. Paul Heckingbottom's side sit rock bottom of the table and are in serious danger of relegation.

Yet Odegaard insisted Arsenal couldn't take their foot off the gas in his programme notes. He told his team-mates: "Today we face Sheffield United, and despite their position in the table we know we have to treat this as a Champions League game as well.

"That’s the mindset we need, because every team in the Premier League will give you a big fight. That’s what happens in the Premier League. You have to be sharp, at your best, every week or else you are punished."

But it appears Arteta hasn't listened to Odegaard's message, with Arsenal's captain rested for Saturday's clash. Gunners fans will hope Arteta's decision won't backfire, with Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Magalhaes also benched by the Spaniard.

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Arteta was asked whether he would bench Odegaard on Friday. He said: "To get to the level that they perform and our front players last season, that’s very difficult to see. It hasn’t happened in the Premier League, so we need to be conscious of that.

Odegaard urged his team-mates to be at their best against Sheffield United (Getty Images)

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"But that’s about form, about putting him (Odegaard) in better positions and doing things better in certain areas to help him to have the game that helps him to explore his qualities. They have played a lot of minutes and that’s a consequence of that."

Emile Smith Rowe has been recalled to Arsenal's starting XI for the first time in the Premier League since May 2022. Bukayo Saka will captain the side, while David Raya remains Arteta's No.1 goalkeeper. Jakub Kiwior has a rare opportunity to impress in defence.

Heckingbottom, meanwhile, has handed starts to ex-Arsenal defender Auston Trusty and former Liverpool talent Rhian Brewster. The latter has struggled with injuries since his move to United three years ago and is hoping to finally have a good run in the team.

Tom Blow