Martin Odegaard urges unity as Arsenal aim for UCL comeback against PSG

Martin Odegaard has called on Arsenal to “stick together” following recent setbacks as they look to defy the odds in Wednesday’s decisive Champions League semifinal clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

The Gunners travel to the Parc des Princes with the challenging task of overturning a 1-0 deficit from the first leg, where Ousmane Dembele’s goal handed PSG the advantage.

Mikel Arteta’s side are now fighting to reach the Champions League final for only the second time in their history.

PSG, who have already eliminated Premier League champions Liverpool in the round of 16 and Aston Villa in the quarterfinals, also secured a victory over Manchester City in the group stage.

Arsenal, yet to win the Champions League, are at risk of becoming PSG’s latest English casualty after a lacklustre first leg, which could have ended in a heavier defeat.

Arsenal travel to the Parc des Princes with the challenging task of overturning a 1-0 deficit from the first leg

Their preparations for the second leg were further marred by a 2-1 home loss to Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday.

Arteta described his team’s reaction as one of “rage and anger” following two painful defeats.

However, Arsenal’s captain Martin Odegaard believes these emotions can serve as motivation for a remarkable comeback against PSG, as long as there is no internal blame for their recent downturn in form.

“We’re disappointed now, but we have to move on and be strong and stick together and prepare for a massive game,” Odegaard said.

“It’s a massive game. That’s the good thing. When you’re disappointed now and you’re angry and frustrated, you can use all those emotions into Wednesday.

“We know what we’re playing for. We have to stick together and create energy and be ready.”

Arteta is eager to end the club’s long wait for silverware, with their last major trophy coming in the 2020 FA Cup. Despite the squad’s undeniable quality, tangible success has remained elusive.

This season, however, the Gunners showed their pedigree in Europe by eliminating reigning champions Real Madrid with an emphatic 5-1 aggregate victory in the Champions League quarterfinals.

Still, Arsenal’s European track record remains one of frustration and near misses.

Their last continental triumph dates back to 1994, when Alan Smith scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 win over Parma in the Cup Winners’ Cup final.