Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard explained why they lost the Premier League title to Manchester City.
Arsenal’s captain, Martin Odegaard, believes they are close to glory after missing out on the Premier League by slim margins last season to Pep Guardiola and his record-setting Manchester City, Ballgist reports.
The Gunners have seen their status as one of the top clubs in Europe restored in the last two seasons, as they competed neck-and-neck with the Cityzens. And although they missed out on the title in both campaigns, Odegaard believes it only means they are closer.
What Odegaard said
Martin Odegaard is Arsenal’s captain Credit || Imago
In an interview with the Athletic’s Art de Roche, the Norwegian midfielder spoke at length about their near miss for the Premier League title and how it made them feel as a unit.
While sitting with the reporter at a pre-pre-season mini-camp in Marbella with a few other players, not on international duty, Odegaard expressed his excitement to face next season and how last term’s disappointment only served as motivation.
“When you are so close, you can feel it; you can taste it,” he said, per the Athletic. “We had the big dream. We had it on the last day and I really had the feeling something special would happen and so did a lot of people.
“After the game it was just disappointment. You can see it, the trophy was there, so that was the emotion right then, but at the same time, it is important to think about all the good things. It gives us all the motivation we need to come back even stronger this year and to win it.”
Arsenal dropped points in 10 games last season, with five draws and five defeats, and failed to hit the 90 points mark despite their impressive campaign. Odegaard admitted that this lack of consistency at that level cost them the title, but believes they are primed for further improvement given their motivation and the youth of their squad.
“We didn’t have the consistency to win it. We have to earn it. We know we can improve. That’s what we are working for.”
Arsenal start their 2024/25 Premier League campaign at the Emirates, where they will host Gary O’Neil’s side.
