Martin Odegaard has claimed Arsenal are changing their team but keeping the same “winning mentality” as they bid for a magnificent seventh straight victory at Leeds on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta made seven changes from the weekend win over Liverpool for the Europa League trip to FK Bodo/Glimt. And despite a spirited display from the Norwegian champions, Bukayo Saka’s goal was enough to maintain the Gunners’ 100% record in Europe - and mean they have now won 11 out of 12 matches this season.
Captain Odegaard said: “I’m not surprised, we know the quality we have and we know the mindset we have now. Everyone is ready for every game, for every action and that’s what we wanted today. It wasn’t the best game but we won and that’s the best thing about today, the three points and our winning mentality to just win every game. it doesn’t matter who plays, we have to do the same thing. Everyone knows the style and the principles and everyone fights for the team. It doesn’t matter who plays.“
Arsenal have the chance to open up a four-point lead over Manchester City with a win at Elland Road before the champions visit Anfield later tomorrow. But echoing the cautious tone of his head coach, Odegaard even dodged a question about the Gunners aiming to stay in the title mix until the World Cup break next month.
“Our goal is to win the next game,” he said. “We have to take it step-by-step, we’re not getting carried away, we have to stay calm and keep working hard and we’ll see.”
But his midfield partner in Norway Fabio Vieira said he joined from Porto in the summer for £34m with the aim of challenging for the title.
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“Yes, of course,” said the Portuguese. “Arsenal is a big club, everyone knows. At the moment we’re in first-place, it’s really good and we need to keep working, keep going game-by-game and continue. I feel very happy here. The support of our fans in every game is very important and from me it’s very important to feel the love from them.
“I feel good. Martin is a good player, everybody knows he has a lot of quality. I’m here to help the team as much as I can, I’m one more player to do everything on the pitch for this club, this team and to help my teammates.
Vieira revealed he has become a gym junkie to put on weight to handle the physical demands of the Premier League. “Three times a week,” said the Portuguese U21 star whose weight is listed as only 58kg. “It’s time to improve.”
