When the League Tests You: Odegaard’s Reality Check After Arsenal's 3-2 Defeat
25 January 2026
Match Recap
Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard admitted his side could have performed better after a 3-2 loss to Manchester United at the Emirates on Sunday, in the Premier League's 23rd round.
In remarks to Sky Sports after the final whistle, Ødegaard said the performance wasn't good enough and that they need time to analyse what happened. We should have performed better, but now is the time to stay together, push each other, and come back stronger.
He outlined the game: in the first half we were the better side, we scored, but we made several mistakes in losing the ball. We fought back to level at 2-2, only for them to score again.
This league is not easy at all, and we know that well. I think we prepared well for the match and started strongly, but momentum shifted in the second half.
He stressed the team must review themselves technically and mentally, adding that the performance clearly should have been better and that they must learn the lesson and keep working.
In closing, Ødegaard emphasized the importance of a quick reaction despite the sting of defeat, saying every match is a big test and that they are still top of the table, so they must keep going; that's the only medicine.
Punchline 1: If this league were a film, this plot twist would be a teaser—lots of action, no happy ending yet.
Punchline 2: And yes, Ødegaard still looks like the guy who saves the last slice of pizza for the team.
