Every home game, Martin Odegaard gives you his thoughts on the goings-on around the club in his captain’s notes column for the matchday programme.
I want to start by wishing all of our supporters a very happy New Year!
It’s been a bit strange for me playing these games over Christmas – I was always used to being off at this time of year before coming to England – but I have to say the atmosphere and hype at the games at this time of year is brilliant.
The Emirates was absolutely rocking on Boxing Day for the West Ham game, it was absolutely a special feeling to be part of it in the stadium.
Personally, I felt good against West Ham, but I also felt the whole team was good. I had some more rest than other players, not being in the World Cup, so I think I've used that in a good way and I felt good. I was happy to have a couple of assists too!
I thought the third goal, especially, was a great goal. The whole build-up was good and the way Eddie turned in the box and the finish was brilliant! I was really happy for him to come in and do a performance like this. I’m so, so happy for him and hopefully, we will see even more from him now.
Whatever position we are in the league, we know we have to keep humble and just focus on ourselves. The only important thing is the next game, and today that is against Newcastle.
They have obviously been in great form this season, but even last season they showed a lot of quality. We had a really tough game against them at St James’ Park last season and I think Eddie Howe is a really good manager.
They have quality throughout the team, a good mix of physical and technical players, and that explains why they are so high in the league. That gives them confidence too, and it will be interesting to see how they get on during the rest of the season.
Our defeat against them late last season was definitely one of the worst days we’ve had in recent seasons. It was the day we missed out on the Champions League, it hurt and I’m sure we won’t need any more motivation going into this game.
Everyone will be aware of that and really looking forward to this one. We’re fully determined to show a different side compared to that last game.
Read the rest of Odegaard’s notes, as well as a host of other fantastic content, by buying a copy of the Arsenal v Newcastle programme either around the stadium or online, and you can also purchase a seasonal subscription to get every issue through your door.
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