Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard said it was important for everyone to see the team’s quality after their 3-0 victory over Manchester City secured the Community Shield.
The Norway international commented on the result after Arsenal defeated Manchester City in the traditional curtain-raiser to the English season. The win brought the trophy to Arsenal and provided the main talking point surrounding Ødegaard’s remarks.
The captain’s central message was reflected in the words: “It was important that everyone saw our level.”
Arsenal’s performance against Manchester City was also discussed in the context of Ødegaard’s own return to the scoresheet. One of the subjects raised was his first goal since December, underlining the personal significance of finding the net again.
The midfielder was also asked about Arsenal’s new arrivals, Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis. Both players were specifically mentioned in the discussion about the team and its newcomers.
The victory over Manchester City gives Arsenal the Community Shield before their next competitive fixture on 21 August. Their following match will be against Coventry in the opening round of the English league season.
Ødegaard’s comments focused on the importance of Arsenal showing their standard on a major occasion. The 3-0 result against Manchester City, the return of the captain to the scoresheet after a long gap and the presence of new players were the key issues connected with his reaction.
The Community Shield success therefore stands as the immediate outcome of Arsenal’s meeting with Manchester City, while the match against Coventry will provide the team’s next opportunity to continue its campaign.
For Ødegaard, the result was more than simply a trophy victory. His assessment was that the performance had allowed Arsenal’s level to be seen clearly, while his goal and the involvement of Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis added further points of interest around the team.
Arsenal will now turn their attention to Coventry on 21 August, when the club begins its English league campaign.
