Martin Odegaard has addressed Erik ten Hag’s repeated mentions of Arsenal this season. The Manchester United manager has made reference to his team’s loss at the Emirates Stadium multiple times, seemingly engaging in mind games.
Arsenal has enjoyed a remarkable season, positioning themselves as serious contenders for the Premier League title.
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Leading the league standings, the Gunners currently hold a one-point advantage over Manchester City, albeit with City having a game in hand.
Players like Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Odegaard himself have thrived under Mikel Arteta’s guidance, with the team managing to avoid significant injury setbacks.
Arsenal has particularly impressed in key matches, securing crucial victories against their toughest opponents.
In their earlier encounter this season, Arsenal emerged victorious against Manchester United, sealing a 3-1 win with late goals from Gabriel Jesus and Rice.
Despite contentious moments in the match, such as Rasmus Hojlund’s denied penalty shout and Alejandro Garnacho’s disallowed goal for a marginal offside, United left the Emirates Stadium empty-handed.
While Ten Hag has made repeated references to this defeat throughout the season, Odegaard has chosen not to engage in any mind games with the former Ajax manager.
Asked if the comments from the United head coach has fuelled his team’s motivation for this weekend’s clash, the Norwegian midfielder said: “Honestly, no. I don’t think so.
“It’s like any other game we are playing for at the moment. I don’t think we need any extra motivation at the moment. I think there is enough there. We know what we are playing for. We know the task. We have to win every game and that is what we are going to try to do.”
In contrast, Ten Hag may be attempting to use the agony of the defeat to spur on his side. He mentioned the defeat last month after United beat Liverpool, saying: “We have missed so many opportunities. For instance, at Arsenal, was it the fourth game of the season? We should have had a penalty for a foul on Rasmus Hojlund.”
In February, Ten Hag mentioned the 3-1 defeat as well, saying: “I think we can beat any opponent, away or home. Sometimes away, we have to believe more. We could have won in Arsenal. We actually deserved that win.”
