Odegaard laughs off poor 2023-24 as two goals in two games signal Arsenal revival

Martin Odegaard scored Arsenal’s third goal in a 3-0 win over Coventry on Friday night, taking his tally to two goals in two games this season and, in doing so, already bettering the single goal he managed across the whole of 2023-24.

The result is Arsenal’s second 3-0 victory in six days, following their Community Shield win over Manchester City last Sunday. Odegaard, who was named Player of the Match, also found the net in Cardiff, and was reminded of his improved return during a post-match interview — prompting a wry “thanks for reminding me” from the Norwegian captain.

His second-half strike was a scuffed effort, something Odegaard acknowledged with a grin. “Top finish I would say,” he said sarcastically. Last season his only goal came in a 2-1 home win over Brighton, a campaign he described as one defined by injury and inconsistency.

“I think last season was a big struggle for me, lots of injuries and weird situations with bad luck,” Odegaard said. “Could never find the rhythm — it is hard when you go in and out and sometimes you’re maybe playing not at 100 per cent. It was hard, but I feel good now, my body is good. I had a good summer, a good World Cup and a good pre-season. Now I’m feeling 100 per cent and that always helps.”

The win gave Arsenal a near-perfect opening to their Premier League title defence. Only three clubs have ever retained the Premier League trophy, but Odegaard insists that ambition is firmly in the squad’s sights.

“For sure that’s the mindset,” he said. “We don’t feel we have to defend anything. We want to do it again and that’s the mindset. Last year is finished now, we want to do it again and we want to attack it and fight for it again.”

Odegaard was equally satisfied with the manner of the victory. “The perfect start. It’s always good to start with a win. A win at home, three goals and a clean sheet — it was really solid.”