The criticism has been massive against Martin Ødegaard at times this season, especially after Arsenal crashed out of the Champions League in the semi-finals against Paris Saint-Germain.
It was precisely Declan Rice who got the pleasure of a pass from Martin Ødegaard in the very important away game against Newcastle.
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2nd place for the third year in a row! (99,999% certain)
Mikel Arteta says he is “unhappy and upset” that Arsenal are ending another season without a major trophy.
“Liverpool have a trophy – we don’t have a trophy,” Arteta, who has delivered an FA Cup since being appointed head coach in December 2019, said at his media conference.
“We are dissatisfied and upset. But I think we are on the right track.
“What I can promise is that I will do my very best [to win a trophy] and I will give my life, and make every drop of everyone here push it and get the best out of them.”
Asked if he thought fans still supported him, Arteta added: “That’s what I feel, but they want more, they have expectations. We have to believe that we’re going to do it together.”
Arsenal and Martin Ødegaard won an important away game against Newcastle and thus guaranteed the Champions League one round before the Premier League season ends.
After the last home game of the season for Arsenal, captain Ødegaard spoke to the club’s loyal supporters. He expressed particular pride in the team’s performance in the Champions League, where they eventually had to lose to PSG in the semi-finals. “We have to admit that we haven’t been good enough in the league, but we’ll take all the experience – both the good and the bad – into next season to get better. We have to let the pain of not winning follow us, and make sure to bring trophies back to the club next year.
Rice settled with long shots
The 1-0 win against Newcastle was secured by Declan Rice ten minutes into the second half. The midfielder received a precise pass from Ødegaard outside the penalty area, before deflecting the ball into the far corner.
Newcastle created several great scoring chances during the game in London, but Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya stood like a wall and kept a clean sheet.
With the win, Arsenal secured the necessary points to guarantee a place in the Champions League. Before the final round of the league, Mikel Arteta’s team is in second place with 71 points.
Only Manchester City have a theoretical chance of catching up with Arsenal. With two games left, City are six points behind, and also have a weaker goal difference of as much as ten goals.
Newcastle are in third place with 66 points, and can secure Champions League play with a win at home against Everton in the last league round next Sunday.
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