Martin Odegaard has acknowledged that his performances this season have “not been good enough” but insists he can still play a crucial role in Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge.
The 26-year-old midfielder has scored just two Premier League goals this campaign, struggling to replicate his previous high standards as the Gunners chase league leaders Liverpool.
While he admits he should have performed better, Odegaard remains confident that there is still time to make a significant impact before the season ends in May.
Arsenal’s title hopes appear to be fading, with Liverpool emerging as their primary obstacle this season instead of Manchester City.
However, Odegaard insists his team has not given up.
The Gunners can close the gap to 13 points – with a game in hand – if they secure a victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Despite his optimism, a series of injuries and inconsistent performances have cast doubt over Arsenal’s ability to sustain their challenge, potentially leaving them short of Premier League glory once again.
Odegaard said: “I’m very used to people speaking about me, judging my performances and I think I do the myself. I’m harder on myself and I know that I have not been good enough especially in front of goal so that’s normal.”
“We’ll fight until the end. We’ve been fighting three years in a row for the title and you go a couple of years back, then we were leading with a lot of points and we finished second. It shows that everything is possible.”
The Start Of A Busy Week For Arsenal
Sunday’s trip to Manchester marks the beginning of a hectic week for Arsenal.
They will host PSV in the second leg of their Champions League tie, leading 7-1 from the first leg at the Emirates, on Wednesday.
Chelsea will then travel to north London next Sunday.
