Odegaard shuts down nerves talk as Arsenal stay cool in title chase

DCM Editorial Summary: This story has been independently rewritten and summarised for DCM readers to highlight key developments relevant to the region. Original reporting by RTE, click this post to read the original article.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has urged you and the team to use past disappointments as motivation rather than fear, following a 3-2 defeat to Manchester United. Despite leading for much of the match, Arsenal conceded a late goal by Matheus Cunha, narrowing their Premier League lead from seven points to four. Still aiming for their first title in 22 years, you may feel pressure from past near-misses, but Odegaard insists that now is the time to stay united and focused on moving forward.

Odegaard downplayed any suggestion that nerves from the crowd are affecting performance on the pitch, telling you that he was fully engaged in the game and didn’t sense tension. He framed the three consecutive second-place finishes as a source of extra determination, not a burden, reminding you that the league is long and demanding. Your captain emphasized the importance of bouncing back, maintaining perspective, and continuing the title push with resilience.

Arsenal still sit at the top of the league, and Odegaard encouraged you not to dwell on the loss but to use the experience to grow stronger. He acknowledged the disappointment but reminded you that setbacks are part of football. The key now is how you respond.

Meanwhile, for Manchester United, interim head coach Michael Carrick has sparked renewed belief with back-to-back victories over Manchester City and Arsenal. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens credited Carrick’s focus on fundamentals, saying that when you stick to the basics and perform them well, your talent shines through. United now occupy a top-four spot and, according to Lammens, it’s up to the team to maintain it by staying committed to Carrick’s clear tactical instructions.