Martin Odegaard has responded to Erik ten Hag’s insistence in name-checking Arsenal this season. The Manchester United boss has mentioned his side’s defeat at the Emirates Stadium on several occasions this season, in what could certainly be described as mind games.
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Arsenal have been in sensational form this season and look like they will come within touching distance of lifting the Premier League title. The Gunners sit at the top of the table and one point clear of Manchester City at present, though the Etihad Stadium outfit do have a game in hand.
Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Odegaard have all flourished in north London, with Mikel Arteta’s side avoiding too many major injury scares. Arsenal have impressed in some of their biggest games of the season, securing three points against their fiercest of rivals.
The Gunners were victorious when they clashed with United earlier this season, with late goals from Gabriel Jesus and Rice helping them to a 3-1 win. However, the Red Devils were unfortunate to leave the Emirates empty-handed, especially as Rasmus Hojlund was not awarded a penalty and Alejandro Garnacho saw his goal chalked off for a marginal offside.
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Ten Hag has referenced the defeat on several occasions so far this season, but Odegaard has not been drawn into the mind games battle with the ex-Ajax boss. Asked if the comments from the United boss has fuelled his side’s motivation for this weekend’s clash, the Norwegian playmaker said: “Honestly, no. I don’t think so.
“It’s like any other game we are playing for at the moment. I don’t think we need any extra motivation at the moment. I think there is enough there. We know what we are playing for. We know the task. We have to win every game and that is what we are going to try to do.”
In contrast, Ten Hag may be attempting to use the agony of the defeat to spur on his troops. The Dutchman mentioned the defeat last month after the Red Devils beat Liverpool, saying: “We have missed so many opportunities. For instance, at Arsenal, was it the fourth game of the season? We should have had a penalty for a foul on Rasmus Hojlund.”
In February, Ten Hag mentioned the 3-1 defeat as well, explaining: “I think we can beat any opponent, away or home. Sometimes away, we have to believe more. We could have won in Arsenal. We actually deserved that win.”
