After playing a huge part in our 2-0 derby day success over Tottenham Hotspur, Martin Odegaard encouraged all Gooners to savour the moment.
Our captain struck in the 36th minute to add to Hugo Lloris’ own goal and set us up nicely for the three points, and he revealed that such was our control over proceedings, it was a game he fully enjoyed playing in despite the pressure to get a positive result.
Speaking post-match, he said: “I’m happy, really proud of the performance, especially in the first half. I think we played some brilliant football, we dominated everything and it was fun to play today. I’m very happy for the team, for the fans and it’s one to enjoy!
“I think the way we showed composure on the ball, the way everyone wanted to play, to come here away in the derby and do that takes a lot of courage, so I’m very happy and proud of the performance.”
The victory was a far cry from our last outing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as we fell to a 3-0 defeat last May, and Martin admits rectifying that was the talk of the changing room in the build-up, rather than worrying about the effect it would have on Premier League table.
But after clinching his fourth win in his five north London derby appearances - and scoring his second goal - he was thrilled that wrong had been righted, and provide some much-deserved bragging rights to our supporters.
“We talked about what happened here last year and the year before,” he said. “I think we played some good football back then as well, but we weren’t sharp enough in key moments, we lacked some discipline and we wanted to show a different side today and I think that’s what we did.
“It’s great to score another one in the north London derby; I know how much it means to the fans and it was a crucial goal in a good moment in the game, so I’m very, very happy!
“As I’ve said many times this season, [our supporters] have been amazing all season, at home games, away games, they’ve been there all the time and for the support and the love they show us, they deserve this.”
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