Odegaard backs Arsenal to channel ‘anger & frustration’ ahead of PSG | OneFootball

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard believes they can channel their ‘anger and frustration’ in a positive way as they bid to overturn their Champions League semi-final tie against PSG.

The Gunners dropped more Premier League points on Saturday as Bournemouth came from behind to win 2-1 at the Emirates, despite Mikel Arteta naming a near full-strength side.

The result was far from ideal preparation for Wednesday’s huge clash in Paris with Arsenal aiming to overturn their 1-0 first leg deficit.

Speaking after the defeat to Bournemouth, Odegaard said: “Obviously we wanted to come here today and get a win, get a good performance and get that momentum back before a big game.

“But at the same time you have to use all the disappointment, all the anger and frustration you feel and create energy and get ready for Wednesday.

“So we have to use that now and, as I said, just be strong together and be ready for a massive game. As I said, we know what we play for and we’re going to be ready for that.

“We all know what we’re playing for. It’s a massive game and we’re one game away from the final. I think they’ve been amazing the whole season.

“We’ve seen them in their away games already in the Champions League, how much they give us. So I’m just grateful for that support and hopefully they bring the noise to Paris now.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKif91aNcJk

One of Arsenal’s main strengths this season has been their conversion rate from attacking set pieces but, in the last few weeks, the Gunners have shown vulnerabilities defensively.

Odegaard admitted the concession of two more goals from set pieces on Saturday was ‘unacceptable’, as the midfielder struggled to pinpoint the main reason for their recent drop off.

“Obviously to concede two goals as we did with the set-pieces is not acceptable at this level,” he acknowledged.

“I think we started the game well, I think we controlled pretty much everything until they scored.

“We lost the control, we lost the rhythm and it was a bit too wild and they got to play on their strengths and then they’re a good team. It was a frustrating one, but we have to stick together and be strong together now and get ready for a big game.

“It’s [defending set pieces] something we have to improve for the next game already. As I said, it’s not acceptable to lose a game like this at this level, so it’s something we have to do better.”