“We’re going to do this.” That is the message Odegaard delivered to BBC Sport when asked to look back at the 2-1 loss at Manchester City that briefly swung last season’s title race.
Arsenal lifted the trophy in May. After five matches of the new campaign, they sit second in the table, three points behind an unbeaten Manchester City.
The night Arsenal pushed through
Odegaard was pointing to 19 April 2026. Rayan Cherki opened the scoring at the Etihad, Kai Havertz pulled Arsenal level, and Erling Haaland’s finish on 65 minutes cut the Gunners’ lead at the top to three points.
The result left Arsenal with four consecutive domestic defeats and the title initiative in Pep Guardiola’s hands. A month later it was Manchester City who stumbled, drawing at Bournemouth, and Arsenal were confirmed as champions with a game to spare. They closed the season at Selhurst Park on 24 May, where goals from Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke secured a 2-1 win at Crystal Palace and capped the club’s first league title in 22 years.
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Chasing from second, again
Manchester City have won every one of their first five fixtures this season. Arsenal’s own record reads four wins, with a 3-0 defeat at Brighton the only blemish.
Mikel Arteta tied himself to the project in the middle of the chase. The manager signed a new long-term contract on Wednesday, keeping him at Arsenal until 2030.
“It’s a privilege to commit my future to the club and to continue to work with exceptional people who want the best for Arsenal,” Arteta said in the club’s announcement.
Odegaard, whose current deal runs until 2028, is expected to follow with a new contract of his own.
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Arsenal’s next match is at the Emirates Stadium against Leeds United, kick-off at 12:30pm local time on Saturday. Leeds arrive unbeaten and fifth, three points behind the Gunners.
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