Martin Odegaard has emphasized the importance of Arsenal staying level-headed before the crucial Premier League title match.

The Premier League title race of the 2023/24 season is set to reach its climax this Sunday, with both Manchester City and Arsenal still in contention after an exhilarating battle throughout the campaign.

Currently, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City sit at the top of the table with a two-point lead, firmly in control of their own destiny as they head into the final weekend. A victory against West Ham United would secure their status as champions for a record-breaking fourth consecutive year.

However, if Manchester City fail to secure all three points, Arsenal have the opportunity to surpass them. The Gunners would need to defeat Everton at the Emirates Stadium, a match that will be broadcast live on TNT Sports, in order to clinch their first top-flight title since 2004.

In anticipation of the decisive weekend, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has emphasized the importance of staying composed and not getting too emotional as the North London club aims to end their 20-year wait for the trophy.

Odegaard stated, “Obviously, you look at the results and we were hoping.. We have to be optimistic. We spoke about it the day after and we have to focus on ourselves, we can’t get too emotional about it. We have one more game, at home, it’s the last game of the season and our goal and our task is clear, we have to win that.”

This is the second consecutive year that Arsenal finds themselves in a title battle with Manchester City. Last season, under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, the Gunners surprised many by challenging Guardiola’s side until the very end, despite finishing outside the top four in the previous six seasons.

Although Arsenal ultimately fell short and settled for second place, they secured a long-awaited return to UEFA Champions League football. Odegaard believes that the team has made significant progress since last year, describing their performance this season as “amazing” and highlighting their improvement as a team.

Odegaard, who joined Arsenal on loan from Real Madrid in January 2021 before making his move permanent, was appointed club captain by Arteta in July 2022. In his first season as skipper, the Norwegian has led his side to a memorable campaign, with Arsenal spending 248 days at the top of the table before narrowly being overtaken by Manchester City.

As the final day of the season approaches, Odegaard has the opportunity to become the first Arsenal captain since Patrick Vieira to lift the iconic Premier League trophy, should results go their way on Sunday.

Reflecting on his time at Arsenal so far, Odegaard expressed his surprise at becoming captain so quickly but also his belief in the team’s potential and the project they are building. He stated, “I knew when I came here we were going to get better and better and fight for things, that’s the reason why I came here.. We’re there now and pushing until the last day to win it. We’re doing well and hopefully, we’ll see it happen, and if not, very soon.”

The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the Premier League season, with both Manchester City and Arsenal vying for the title. Football fans across England eagerly await the final day, where dreams will be realized and hearts will be broken.