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Odegaard on Bukayo brilliance and Bournemouth

Martin Odegaard celebrates scoring against Everton

Every home game, Martin Odegaard gives you his thoughts on the goings-on around the club in his captain’s notes for the matchday programme. 

Ahead of tonight's game against Bournemouth, you can read a snippet of his latest column which includes his thoughts on Bukayo Saka, the team needing to produce magic moments and what he expects from our visitors:

Bukayo’s goal to put us in the lead against Everton was just an unbelievable finish. It took me by surprise when I saw it go in, but that’s the quality he has and what he can produce – even with his right foot.

I remember he scored a similar one this season against Leeds, so it’s another quality he has. He’s producing so much for the team right now – goals and assists – he’s always dangerous so it was another great moment from him.

In fact we talk a lot together about producing these ‘magic moments’ as a team. When the match is really tight or the opposition make things tough for you, sometimes you need a magic moment to win the game or change it, and he is certainly someone who comes up with them. It’s great to have him there for us.

We might need another magic moment today against Bournemouth, because like Everton they are fighting for every single point near the bottom of the table. They will set up well and will make it difficult for us. They are coming to the team that’s top of the table, so that will give them motivation as well and we have to expect a difficult game.

We have to keep on doing what we are doing, and carry on from the second half against Everton, and hopefully get the win again. We are confident but focused going into this game. If I felt at all that any of the players were starting to feel complacent, then of course I would say something. But I think the way the team is now, the mentality, and also what the coaches are giving us – the focus is there.

We came into training on Thursday morning and straight away everyone was working on this Bournemouth game. Nobody was celebrating the win over Everton, it was all about the next training session, the next game, and what we need to do. So I’m confident that everyone is highly motivated and focused on what we have got in front of us.

Read the rest of Odegaard’s notes, as well as a host of other fantastic content, by buying a copy of the Arsenal v Bournemouth programme either around the stadium or online, and you can also purchase a seasonal subscription to get every issue through your door.