Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard has called for unity following the team’s “painful” Champions League exit, as the Gunners prepare to face Liverpool. Arsenal’s dreams of lifting the European Cup for the first time were dashed after a 2-1 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-final second leg at Parc des Princes.
Despite a spirited start and putting PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma to the test early on, Arsenal conceded to Fabian Ruiz and later Achraf Hakimi, with Bukayo Saka’s goal serving only as a consolation in a 3-1 aggregate defeat.
Post-match, Mikel Arteta disclosed the emotional impact of the loss on his squad. However, there’s no time to dwell, as a Premier League encounter looms against a dominant Liverpool side, with the Gunners knowing a positive result could mathematically confirm their place in next season’s Champions League.
Reflecting on the semi-final, Odegaard admitted: “It’s very painful to be honest. We started the game really well, on the front foot, took control of the game and created some big moments. But again, in the boxes, that’s where the games are decided and we weren’t good enough.
“That’s where we have to be sharper and more clinical and also not concede the goals like we’ve done. We have to stick together, stay strong, and learn from it.”
Mikel Arteta has certainly turned things around at Arsenal, guiding the club to its first Champions League semi-final in 16 years. Despite this progress, the only silverware under his belt so far is the 2020 FA Cup.
Reflecting on the journey, Martin Odegaard said: “We wanted to go all the way and to bring trophies to this club and to our supporters. We’ve had some tough moments during my time here and I feel like every time we’ve come back stronger. So that’s the only thing you can do.”
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Acknowledging the setback, he continued: “It’s a massive disappointment and I know everyone is disappointed, but the only thing you can do is to keep going, keep improving, keep learning, stay together, be there for each other, lift each other up, and make sure we go again.”
Looking ahead, Arsenal is set to face Liverpool on Sunday, aiming to secure second place in the Premier League for the third year running.
With a three-point lead over Manchester City and six points clear of sixth-placed Nottingham Forest, the Gunners need just one victory from their remaining three games to guarantee another season of Champions League football.
