After playing a starring role as Arsenal beat PSV Eindhoven 4-0, Martin Odegaard was excited to have been part of a big night for the Gunners.
After six seasons, the north London outfit returned to the Champions League for the first time and they returned in style, making a statement win at the Emirates.
Odegaard capped off the scoring after first-half strikes from Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus saw Arsenal claim a heavy victory on their special return to the elite competition in style.
The Gunners captain has admitted that leading his side at the Emirates Stadium and scoring a goal is only something he could have dreamt of
Odegaard reacts after Arsenal start Champions League campaign on a high
Reflecting on our night’s work, Martin said: “I think it was a great start. I think we showed it straight from the start how eager we were to be back in this competition, and how motivated we were. You saw it in the stadium, the atmosphere of the fans and also on the pitch; we went for it from the start.”
“I think we were really pumped. We were really eager to show a big performance and to be back in this competition means a lot for us players, the fans and the club, for everyone and I think you saw that straight from the start.”
“The atmosphere was unreal. I think these are the days that you dream about when you were a little kid, playing on the pitch with friends. These are the days you dream about, so it’s unbelievable and I really enjoyed it.”
After a key win against PSV, another crunch clash will come for Arsenal again in the form of fierce north London rivals Tottenham on Sunday and Odegaard says his side must put in another strong shift.
“I think there were a lot of things we could have done better,” he reflected. “I think without the ball, we let them run too many times and gave them a lot of space, especially in the first half. And then we adjusted a little bit in the second half, and it was better, but on the ball we played some really good football and scored some great goals.”
“We have to take the good things and learn from the things we could have done better. All the games are coming quickly now and we have to be ready for Sunday, recover and get the legs fresh again.”
