Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has called on his team to avoid a repeat of their previous cup exit hangover as they prepare to face Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has urged his team to avoid a cup upset hangover as they prepare for their next Premier League match against Crystal Palace. The Gunners were knocked out of the Europa League on penalties by Sporting Lisbon, leaving manager Mikel Arteta concerned about the potential fall-out.
Mikel Arteta determined to avoid repeat of previous cup exit hangover
The last time Arsenal lost a cup tie, against Manchester City in the FA Cup fourth round, they suffered a dip in form and managed just one point from their next three league games, giving hope to chasing challengers Manchester City. Arteta is determined not to let that happen again, particularly with the Gunners now in contention for their first league title in 16 years.
Odegaard spoke to the media about the importance of quickly refocusing on the Premier League after the disappointment of the Europa League exit. “We talked about it already in the dressing room,” he said. “We just have to change the mindset again. Everyone is disappointed, but we have to move forward and be ready for Sunday.”
The Norwegian midfielder also pointed out that Arsenal have learned from their previous defeats this season and have come back stronger. “Every time we have lost this season we have learned something from it. Every time we have come back and changed the situation again,” Odegaard said.
Arsenal’s fixture list is, however, finally looking clearer with Manchester City still involved in both the Champions League and the FA Cup, but Odegaard insists that every game is crucial.
“We wanted to do something special in this [Europa League] competition so it’s disappointing,” he added. “But also it is straightforward now. We just have to focus on every game. It’s 11 finals for us. Just come back on Sunday, that’s all that matters now.”
Crystal Palace have sacked Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira ahead of the clash, adding an extra layer of pressure on Arteta’s men.
However, Odegaard’s comments suggest that Arsenal are determined to put the Europa League exit behind them and continue their march towards the league title.