Odegaard plays down Arsenal form with brutally honest verdict after Burnley win

18 February 2024 , 22:30

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Martin Odegaard insists his latest form is nothing to shout about despite the praise (Image: Getty Images)

Martin Odegaard insists he doesn’t know what all the fuss is about after his masterclass against Burnley.

Odegaard cracked home the first and had a hand in Arsenal ’s second from the penalty spot before setting up Bukayo Saka for the third with a delightful pass. “I don’t feel like it’s a big difference to be honest,” said the Norway playmaker.

"I got some more assists, another goal, and that always helps. It’s been OK from a while back, but when you get goals and assists, people are talking more about you.”

Odegaard feels Mikel Arteta has assembled a squad which can challenge in the Champions League and Premier League. “That’s what we want to do, we want to compete in every competition we play in,” he said.

“Of course the Champions League is a massive one, we’re all excited for it. We just want to focus on each game, keep improving and see how it goes. We’re in a good moment now. We have to use that momentum, keep building on it and we’ll see.”

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While Odegaard was quick to play down his performance, boss Arteta lavished praise on his captain, who he feels is hitting the right notes at the right time.

"Confidence-wise he’s in a really good moment, and physically as well with the way he applies himself; defending, attacking, the connection, the movement that he gave us on the right-hand side, it’s really good," Arteta said after beating Burnley. "He’s hitting form."

Odegaard celebrated his goal against Burnley by covering his ears and closing his eyes, in an apparent nod to those who were critical of his enthusiastic celebrations after beating Liverpool a fortnight ago.

Odegaard covered his ears in celebration after scoring Arsenal's opener against Burnley (Foot Direct)

Arteta admitted he wasn't aware of Odegaard's reaction to scoring against Burnley, but urged him to concentrate on his own game rather than focus on answering any backlash. "I didn’t notice that he made that gesture," Arteta said. "But he was really happy in the dressing room.

"The way he played again today, he was exceptional. I don’t think he needs to send any message, he needs to be himself. He needs to do what he thinks, and if he thinks to do something, do it and deal with the consequences, because some people are going to like it, and some people won’t, but we really like him."

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David Anderson