FourFourTwo has released parts of their interview with Arsenal’s Norwegian captain Martin Ødegaard. The full interview will be released in March 2026 – issue #388. “We focus on small details, and every day it’s about getting better. Over time, I really think that’s the right way to do it. That’s why I think this will be our year.”
The Gunners captain, who joined the club in 2021 first on loan, so purchases from Real Madrid believe his team will break their second-place streak this season.
Arsenal fans are divided in their opinion as to who should be captain, some believe that Declan Rice is the one, while manager Mikel Arteta, as well as a number of his teammates, are crystal clear that Martin Ødegaard is the glue a winning team needs.
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Having finished second nine times in the Premier League era – including in each of the last three seasons – Arsenal have more than a hint of the “always bridesmaid” cliché about them.
Before this weekend’s games, Arsenal lead over Manchester City with 6 points. – You can follow all the matches in our Live service. Arsenal face Sunderland and Manchester City face Liverpool away.
It’s been a long time since a Premier League title went to Arsenal, it’s actually been a full 22 years since the club’s last title, when Arsène Wenger’s “Invincibles” swept all opposition off the pitch. Unlike the last three years, Arsenal now have a significant lead in the table.
Are Arsenal over the hump? – Captain Martin Ødegaard certainly thinks so, as a mix of experience, squad building and Arteta’s drive has this current Gunners iteration feeling more aligned than ever.
Martin Ødegaard on why this is Arsenal’s year
“It’s a complex question,” Ødegaard told FourFourTwo when asked what has changed at the Emirates this season. “First of all, we have experience. We have been through a lot together as a group. We’ve been very close for a few years now, and being in those positions – fighting for the biggest titles and the biggest trophies in the world – gives you something. You learn from it.”
“We’ve all grown a little bit too, we’re a little older. And the club has done very well in bringing in some very good players. You can see it in the squad. You realize how important it is to have numbers, but also quality throughout the group, as the season is long and a lot is happening.”
Then there’s the daily grind, the part that rarely makes headlines. “It’s the work we do every day on the training ground,” he continues. “We work so hard to improve. We focus on small details, and every day is about getting better.”
“Over time, I really think that’s the right way to do it. That’s why I think this will be our year.”
Ødegaard believes he has changed a lot as a player in the last five years.
“A lot of things,” Ødegaard continues. “As you get older, you learn and grow. That is the experience. I’m probably a little calmer now. I’ve been in this situation many times, so I know what it takes and what I have to give to the team.”
“It’s about doing those things every day, being in the moment. Don’t look too far ahead and don’t think about what might happen in a few weeks or months—just be present and do your best every single day.”
From a broader team perspective, the same principles apply. “You need a little bit of everything,” he adds. “When we had injuries, a lot of players stepped up and you could see the quality in the squad. How we work in training creates the foundation for what we want to do.”
“We’ve seen how tough this league is to win. I remember the season two years ago when we were almost perfect at the end – an almost unbeaten streak, so many points – and still didn’t win it. That shows how difficult it is.”
“It takes the very best – that’s what we try to provide every day.”
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