Odegaard Aims to Be the Hero as Arsenal Seeks Glory Against PSG
LONDON — As Arsenal steps into one of their most significant matches in Europe in recent decades, they carry with them a mix of rage, disillusionment, and an intense desire to silence those who doubt them.
Captain Martin Odegaard is at the forefront, and even with recent criticisms of his performances, his talent remains unquestionable. However, he now needs to rise to the occasion and produce a crucial performance as Arsenal aims to make their move. reverse a 1-0 deficit when they visit Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal.
MORE — Predicted Lineups for Paris Saint-Germain vs Arsenal
Pro Soccer Talk inquired whether Odegaard feels an increased sense of duty, being the captain, to emulate his fellow players (Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, William Saliba), aiming for a pivotal, defining achievement that could propel them into the Champions League final.
"Yeah, that's what we all want," Odegaard said. "For me personally as well, I want to affect the game as much as possible and be decisive. I think that goes for all the players to be fair. We've shown that now in many of the games already in the Champions League that we're ready and, as I said, we're going to be ready for Wednesday."
Arsenal receive a significant shock just as a crucial phase begins in Mikel Arteta’s tenure.
There is a lot of frustration at Arsenal right now. About the loss to Bournemouth at the weekend. Liverpool winning the Premier League title with games to spare. Winning just one of their last five in the Premier League. Injuries limiting them throughout the season. Fans are getting edgy.
However, Arsenal is also advancing through the semifinals of the Champions League and has a strong opportunity to make it to the finals, demonstrated by their impressive play in the first leg against Paris Saint-Germain. There’s still hope as they approach this season’s crucial stage.
Speaking to reporters in the tunnel area after their let down by the 2-1 loss at home against Bournemouth on Saturday, Arsenal's captain Martin Odegaard was both focused and annoyed following a second half collapse as he urged his teammates to use their anger as fuel for the approaching monumental occasion.
We clearly aimed to secure a victory today, deliver an impressive performance, and regain our momentum heading into this crucial match," Odegaard stated. "However, simultaneously, we must channel all the disappointment, anger, and frustration felt from not achieving our goals into positive energy and prepare ourselves for Wednesday’s encounter. Thus, we need to harness these feelings right away and, as mentioned earlier, stay united and prepared for this significant game. We understand what’s at stake, and we’ll ensure we’re fully ready for it.
Odegaard said he will be ready too, as he confirmed to Pro Soccer Talk that the whack he received on the foot late on against Bournemouth shouldn't keep him out against PSG and he trained ahead of the game: "I think it's okay. It was just a hit, so it's a bit sore, but it's fine."
The stakes could not be higher for Odegaard, Arsenal and Mikel Arteta heading into this week. This is it.
Martin Odegaard hoping to step up and be Arsenal’s Champions League hero
This is the crucial juncture Arteta has been working toward since assuming command in December 2019. Clinching victory in this tournament represents the ultimate achievement for Arsenal, an objective they have yet to accomplish. Odegaard realizes that with just one more triumph, he will lead Arsenal into the UEFA Champions League final in Munich on May 31, facing either Barcelona or Inter Milan.
He would become only the second player ever to captain Arsenal onto the field for a European top-tier club competition finale. With two additional victories, his legacy with the team would be etched permanently into the annals of the club’s history.
However, the Norwegian midfielder has not been performing at his fluid best regularly since making a comeback from an extended injury earlier this season.
We've caught glimpses of his talent, such as the assist he provided for Declan Rice during the match against Bournemouth on Saturday. However, he has largely taken a back seat as Saka, Rice, Saliba, and others have shone throughout their journey to reach the Champions League semifinals.
Odegaard has taken on various responsibilities and has pushed himself to the limit for the team’s sake, contributing significantly to defense and leading by example through his high-energy performances. Despite this, he has occasionally struggled with maintaining top-quality play when crucial decisions were needed during their push toward the final four.
The comeback of Thomas Partey ought to free up Odegaard, along with Declan Rice.
The biggest difference for Odegaard, and Arsenal, on Wednesday is that Thomas Partey will be available after being suspended for the first leg. That changes things massively. Odegaard knows that more than most.
Partey returned to midfield on Saturday and it allowed Odegaard and Rice to roam further up the pitch compared to the role they were given in the first leg against PSG.
Could Partey's return be the big difference for Arsenal and unleash Rice and Odegaard to overpower PSG's metronomic midfield trio of Joao Neves, Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz?
"Yeah, Thomas is a great player and great to have him behind you," Odegaard said. "He always gives you that protection and he's so strong in the duels and good on the ball as well. So it's going to be a nice boost for us to have him in that game."
“Bring the noise to Paris”
Arsenal have been very good away from home in the Champions League this season, losing just one of their six away games and that 1-0 defeat was at fellow semifinalists Inter Milan via a harsh penalty kick. Even though they won at Real Madrid in the quarterfinals, there's no denying the magnitude of this task at PSG.
Les Parisiens are red-hot and well-balanced. Luis Enrique rested all of his key players at the weekend as PSG had the Ligue 1 title won weeks ago. They're fresh, confident and ready to finish the job and like Arsenal they would be reaching just the second Champions League final in club history and they've also never won it. The pressure on both PSG and Arsenal is huge.
What is Odegaard's message for the Arsenal fans heading to Paris hoping to see their team reach the Champions League final?
"As we all understand, this match holds great significance. We stand at one game before reaching the finale of this significant competition. Throughout the season, they have shown remarkable performance. In our previous encounters during the Champions League, particularly in their away matches, we've witnessed their dedication. Therefore, I am truly thankful for their backing, and I hope they continue to cheer loudly as we head to Paris," stated Odegaard.
Arsenal aim to turn a disadvantage into an advantage.
The concluding statement from Arsenal’s captain on the field mirrored those of their coach. The team is entirely dedicated to transforming the present dissatisfaction into a constructive force, which could aid them in accomplishing great things against PSG.
Let’s utilize this positively and constructively to get prepared," Odegaard said additionally. "Unite as one, channel that frustration, harness that anger, and put forth our absolute best effort on Wednesday.
In the first match, Arsenal showed they could keep up with PSG. With a crucial player returning, they now have additional motivation to silence their critics. It’s evident that both immense pressure and high expectations will be placed on PSG.
Following five years of preparation led by Arteta, we are finally set to discover whether this Arsenal team can rise to the occasion on the grandest platform during crucial moments. Odegaard along with his teammates is eager to prove themselves. Will they manage to capitalize on this opportunity?
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