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Odegaard looking to gel with Jesus

Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus

New skipper Martin Odegaard believes that it is vital that he and Gabriel Jesus continue to improve their understanding on the pitch to ensure we enjoy a successful campaign.

The Norwegian playmaker revealed his short-term aim in his first captain's notes for the official programme ahead of this weekend's game against Leicester City, as the ever-popular feature is back by popular demand to shed light on the views inside our dressing room.

And Odegaard didn't disappoint, highlighting his quest for perfection by suggesting he's still annoyed with himself for spurning the opportunity for a shot when played in by Jesus against Crystal Palace last week, and indicating his keenness to develop a fruitful partnership with the Brazilian striker.

He wrote: "All the new players have settled well so far, and I know that it’s important that I build a good understanding with Gabriel Jesus early as well. Against Palace we didn’t have too many combinations, but he did play me in for the chance in the second half. I should have taken a shot, and that would have been a great start for us together.

Martin Odegaard programme spread

"But I think our combination play was really good in pre-season and we have a great connection in training too. I enjoy so much playing with him, so hopefully we can see more of that in the next games.

"For my chance against Palace, I was thinking to take a touch a bit more to the left, and then I took it to the right instead and I felt the player was more in front of me than he actually was. When I saw the clip back I wasn’t happy with it, but you have to learn from it, always improve and hopefully next time I will take the shot and score. I know it was the wrong decision of course.

"The important thing is that we got the win, and we want to carry on our run."

Read much more from Odegaard by purchasing the programme online or at Emirates Stadium on Saturday, and find out about the new features you can enjoy all season long with a subscription.

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