Arsenal: Odegaard still tormented by "painful" title-race defeat

The Gunners missed a golden opportunity to win their first league title in two decades.

Martin Odegaard has opened up on his feelings about Arsenal’s title pursuit last season.

The Gunners were in pole position to win the title after a string of fantastic displays during the first half of the campaign. But Manchester City managed to edge them out in the title race, winning the league trophy by finishing five points above Mikel Arteta’s side.

“We competed against the team that has won it all,” Odegaard told Viaplay.

“It was tight and even at the end, especially in the three games [that Arsenal drew], we lost momentum. There are so many things that can affect the season, we were close, and we must use the disappointment to go closer.”

He added: “I think this will bother me for the rest of my life. We were very close, I almost managed to achieve my dream, I think it will be painful for the rest of my life but we have to try again next year, when we manage to do that [win the league] it will surely be easier. “

Odegaard was one of Arsenal’s best players throughout the campaign. The Norwegian midfielder registered 15 goals and eight assists in his 37 league appearances, solidifying his position as Arsenal’s new skipper.

“There has been a good season, I have delivered well and scored several goals,” Odegaard added.

“I have been more important to the team. It’s been good but of course a tough end to the season which still hurts. So I have mixed feelings.”