Tension and tension are a big factor at the Emirates, but Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is ready to accept the challenge
Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard in training (Image: 2026 The Arsenal Football Club Plc)
Martin Odegaard insists Arsenal can handle the tension and pressure of competing for the title.
Arsenal captain Odegaard has admitted his players are aware of the anxiety within the Emirates as the club chases a first Premier League title in 22 years. They are chasing four trophies and Odegaard praised the “fantastic” atmosphere, but said the best way to calm any remaining nerves was to get over the line after a few near misses.
Asked about the nerves in an interview with Men in Blazers, Odegaard said: “Well, of course you feel it sometimes. In fact, a lot of people really feel that vibe.”
“But, as you say, whenever you come to the Emirates, the atmosphere is always great. And you get that energy from the supporters and of course they’re going to feel nervous at some point whether we defend the lead or not.”
“But that’s part of football. And I think, for the most part, we’re just getting that energy from the stadium, and that’s what we want.
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“So I think nerves are a part of football and you have to be able to deal with it. At this level, you just have to deal with it.”
“And that’s part of the game, and that’s fine. But mostly, the energy when we come in there is incredible. And they see that in us. So, yeah, it’s great.”
“That’s something we have to accept. And for me personally and a lot of the players on the team, we’ve been in this title race for years.
Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafioli, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard celebrate the victory over Chelsea (Image: 2026 The Arsenal Football Club Plc)
“I feel like that gives us more experience, and we’re able to take advantage of that. We’ve grown as a group every season. I think each individual is more experienced and more mature. And of course, with this year’s team, we feel like we’re in a really good spot.”
“We’re going to keep fighting and keep pushing every day. And yeah, we believe in what we’re doing and believe in our team.”
“We’ve grown as a team, as a group. We’ve been through a lot. And I think the work that we do every day, that’s the biggest thing, you know, I work on the practice field every day.”
“What I see every day is what gives me that and gives me the confidence that we’re going to do it. So, yeah, it’s great to be a part of that. And I believe we’re in a good spot right now and we’re just going to push through from here.”
Odegaard insists he is not prioritizing winning any particular trophy. They reached the Carabao Cup final, are in the FA Cup, top of the Premier League and within reach of the Champions League final.
The Norwegian midfielder, who missed the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea with a minor injury, said: “We are playing to win everything. We want to win every match we play and win every trophy in every tournament. You know what? That’s the mindset.”
“And, like I said before, I think the important thing is to stay in the moment and not think too much about the big picture or too far ahead or whatever. But I think for us, it’s just about winning every game.”
“That’s our goal. So at the moment we’re just looking for the next game. It’s good to be able to play in all competitions, that’s what we want.
“And I think it’s good for the team to have everything to promote. And like I said, stay in the moment and just try to win every game.”
*See the full interview
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