MARTIN ODEGAARD called on his Arsenal team-mates to show how strong their winning mentality is after being knocked out of Europe.
The Gunners’ Europa League campaign came to an end on penalties against Sporting Lisbon on Thursday and skipper Odegaard is keen to ensure it does not hurt their Premier League title chances.
Asked about their new mentality, Odegaard said: “We have to show it now. It is pretty straightforward for us now, it’s only the league.
“We just have to focus on every game — it’s 11 finals for us. Just come back on Sunday, that’s all that matters now.”
Arsenal suffered a blip after Manchester City knocked them out of the FA Cup in January, going three without a win.
And with the chance to extend their Prem lead over City to eight points against managerless Crystal Palace on Sunday, the leaders cannot afford another slip-up now their only focus is on the title.
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Odegaard added: “We just have to change the mindset again.
“I think everyone is disappointed but we have to move forward and just be ready for Sunday.
“Every time we have lost this season we have learnt something from it. Every time we have come back and changed the situation again.
“That is what we are going to do again and the next game comes quick, so it’s a good opportunity to strike back.
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“We are always together, even if we lose. We have to be together in the tough moments as well. That’s what we are going to do now.”
Despite their disappointing performance against Sporting on Thursday night, Arsenal fans still applauded their side off the pitch at the Emirates.
Odegaard said: “They have helped us so much this season.
“Hopefully they can keep pushing us because it gives us so much energy.”
ARSENAL (likely): Ramsdale, White, Holding, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Odegaard, Partey, Xhaka, Saka, Trossard, Martinelli.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
