Martin Odegaard has called on Arsenal to remain united in the face of recent setbacks as they gear up for a crucial Champions League semifinal second leg against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.
The Gunners head to the Parc des Princes needing a turnaround after falling 1-0 in the first leg at the Emirates, courtesy of a decisive goal from Ousmane Dembele. A place in the Champions League final, only the second in Arsenal’s history, is on the line.
PSG, who have already swept aside English opposition including Liverpool in the round of 16 and Aston Villa in the quarterfinals, have proven a formidable force.
They also emerged victorious over Manchester City in the group stage, adding to the threat they pose to Mikel Arteta’s men.
Arsenal’s task is made even harder following a deflating 2-1 loss at home to Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday, a result that did little to boost morale ahead of their European showdown.
Arteta admitted the two successive defeats have left his players full of “rage and anger.”
Yet, captain Odegaard believes those emotions could be harnessed to spark something special in Paris, provided the team remains focused and unified.
“We’re disappointed now, but we have to move on and be strong and stick together and prepare for a massive game,” Odegaard said.
“It’s a massive game. That’s the good thing. When you’re disappointed now and you’re angry and frustrated, you can use all those emotions into Wednesday.
“We know what we’re playing for. We have to stick together and create energy and be ready.”
Arteta’s minimal squad rotation against Bournemouth, with only Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino left out, has drawn criticism, especially with such a high-stakes match looming.
Timber is currently a doubt for Wednesday, with Arteta confirming a late fitness test will determine his availability.
Despite still vying for Champions League qualification via the Premier League, Arsenal’s immediate focus is on overturning their deficit against PSG.
The north Londoners have finished second to Manchester City in back-to-back seasons and are under increasing pressure to finally deliver silverware, having last lifted a trophy in 2020 with their FA Cup triumph.
Injuries and inconsistent attacking displays have derailed their domestic campaign, but their European run includes a notable 5-1 aggregate victory over defending champions Real Madrid in the quarterfinals, a result that underscores their potential.
However, Arsenal’s continental record remains fraught with near-misses. The club’s last European trophy dates back to 1994 when Alan Smith fired them to Cup Winners’ Cup glory over Parma.
Since then, they’ve lost three European finals, including the 2006 Champions League final against Barcelona and the 2019 Europa League final under Unai Emery.
Interestingly, in that victorious 1994 campaign, Arsenal overcame PSG in the semifinal, a PSG side that featured legends like George Weah and David Ginola. The Gunners hope history can repeat itself on Wednesday night.
Arteta knows the stakes and isn’t hiding the weight of the occasion.
“What we have created now is a lot of rage, anger, frustration and a bad feeling in the tummy,” he said.
“So make sure we use that for Wednesday to have a massive performance in Paris, win the game and be in the final.”
Should they pull it off, it will go down as one of Arsenal’s most iconic nights in Europe.
