Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has warned that the Gunners need to be more “ruthless” in front of goal if they are to avoid dropping points in the Premier League title race.
Liverpool took advantage of Arsenal’s loss to Aston Villa to finish the weekend top of the table, but Arsenal themselves are poised for a surprise title challenge.
The Gunners had their goal ruled out, with Mikel Arteta an exception, and the possibility of a penalty was also ruled out. However, although they dominated the ball more than Villa and had more shots and shots on target, they still could not find a breakthrough and fell to a 1-0 defeat.
“We have to take our chances,” Odegaard said.
“When you come to a place like this, [Villa Park] It’s always difficult. So we have to be relentless in front of goal – which is frustrating because we missed some big shots, myself included. But the only thing we can do is work hard to improve and bounce back in the next game. ”
Arsenal traveled to the West Midlands having won six consecutive games in all competitions, including four in the Premier League, but had experienced a similar incident at Newcastle last month.
With Arteta furious at VAR and Newcastle’s winner, Arsenal dominated the ball and outscored their opponents without getting on the scoresheet, rendering the controversy irrelevant. Of the 16 games played so far this season, these are the only two games the Gunners have lost in the Premier League, but both could be ‘what if’ moments if the race is decided.
Arsenal return to action against PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday, with Arteta expected to rotate his squad as the Gunners have already clinched their place as Champions League group winners.
The chance for an immediate response in the Premier League will come on Sunday when Brighton & Hove Albion come to town.
