Odegaard on the Hammers and giving back at Xmas

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 today's game against West Ham United, Martin gives his thoughts on our opponents, reveals what the squad got up to over Christmas and how they enjoyed giving back to the community over the past few weeks.

We're all looking forward to a brilliant atmosphere here tonight as we take on West Ham. The games at this time of year always have a special feeling.

We played West Ham on Boxing Day last year, the first game back after the World Cup break, and it was a really good game for us, with a great atmosphere. West Ham have shown again this season how strong they are. They are solid defensively, good on the counters and they have a lot of physical qualities too.

Also they have individual players who can make the difference on their own. Players like Ward-Prowse, Paqueta, Kudus – lots of them – and when you play a team like that, it’s really important that you are fully prepared, knowing what their strengths are and how to try to stop them.

We spent a lot of time on that with the coaches and analysts to come up with plans, and then it’s down to us to execute them on the day. We have to understand our roles, be focused in training and in meetings beforehand. Basically, we all know that if we can do what we’re told to do on the pitch, it will turn out well for us! That’s what we focus on and then it’s down to what we can do in the game.

With no game on Boxing Day this year, our schedule was a little bit different to usual. We were able to have Christmas Day off and I could see my family and spend time with them.

In the last couple of weeks, players from our men’s and women’s teams have also spent time with supporters around Christmas, visiting people in hospital and community projects which the club runs across London. I went to the Royal Free Hospital with Ben White, Jakub Kiwior and Mo Elneny. We met many people, lots who are Arsenal supporters, who will be in hospital over Christmas.

It was great to spend some time in hospital with young people, because this time of year everything is a bit more emotional. If you are struggling with illness or having a bad time, Christmas can make things seem even tougher, so if we as players can do anything to lift somebody’s mood or make them smile, then we are proud to do this. I’m proud that as a football club we place huge importance in our communities. 

All the players visited other hospitals and also community events which the club runs through the year, and we all said the same: it’s so good when we can help make somebody’s day just by spending some time with them.

Thanks again for your brilliant support, and on behalf of everyone in the dressing room, have a great New Year.

Read the rest of Martin's notes, as well as a host of other fantastic content, by buying a copy of the Arsenal v West Ham United programme either around the stadium or online

You can also subscribe to get every issue this season delivered straight to your door each matchday.