Odegaard: Arsenal-City Rivalry Stems from Desire to Be the Best
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Synopsis
Arsenal's Martin Odegaard speaks on the intense rivalry with Manchester City, attributing it to both teams' desire for success. The teams are set to face off again, with Arsenal seeking to strengthen their position in the league.
Key Takeaways
- Martin Odegaard highlights the rivalry's root in ambition.
- Both teams face off this Sunday at the Emirates Stadium.
- The last match ended in a 2-2 draw at Etihad Stadium.
- Intensity and competition are natural in big games.
- Arsenal aims for back-to-back home wins against City.
London, Feb 1 (NationPress) Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard asserts that the intense rivalry with Manchester City arises from both teams' aspirations to dominate. They are set to clash again this Sunday at the Emirates Stadium.
In their previous encounter, the match ended in a 2-2 stalemate at the Etihad Stadium, where Arsenal initially took the lead. However, a red card for Leandro Trossard left the North London team struggling. Despite their best efforts to hold on, they conceded a last-minute equaliser.
Following the match, a controversial moment unfolded as City striker Erling Haaland was spotted advising the Arsenal manager to ‘stay humble.’ Odegaard, who also captains the national team alongside Haaland, shared his thoughts on the incident leading up to Sunday’s match.
"In football, games like this bring out heightened emotions and adrenaline. Such things can happen during the game, but once you leave the pitch, it’s over," Odegaard mentioned, as reported by ESPN.
"I don’t dwell on it. It’s normal for big games to have a fierce rivalry. Everyone competes to be the best, and a little intensity is expected at times.
"Yet, many players know each other from national duties — England, Brazil, and my relationship with Erling — so it’s different on and off the field. When we play, it’s a fierce contest.
While Arsenal is still in pursuit of their first league title since the 2003-04 season, this year presents a different dynamic as they trail Liverpool instead of City. The Gunners aim to secure their second consecutive home victory over the Cityzens to build momentum.
