Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard says their Premier League slump will be 'painful for the rest of his life' after Liverpool's damaging contribution to their title hopes.
The Gunners were the runaway leaders in the English top-flight last season as they lead at the summit for much of the campaign. Mikel Arteta's side looked like they were going to do what the Reds have only managed to do in recent seasons and usurp Manchester City as champions.
However, in the latter stages of the season, Arsenal lost their advantage in the title race and the Citizens nudged in front during their course to their historic treble.
Arsenal held a gap over City going into the final months of the campaign but a draw with Liverpool sparked a disappointing run as they were held by West Ham and then Leeds. Pep Guardiola's side then fired four past the North London club to move to within two points with as many games in hand - seemingly landing the psychological blow.
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Speaking to Viaplay Fotball, Odegaard dissected where it went wrong for his side throughout the season. The Norwegian noted that their run of three draws, sparked by the comeback at Anfield, saw them lose energy in their pursuit of success.
Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus fired Arsenal into a two-goal lead after half-an-hour on Merseyside as their barren run against the Reds looked set to end. However, the fightback started through Mohamed Salah on the stroke of half-time before Roberto Firmino equalised with three minutes of normal time remaining.
Liverpool came away feeling hard done by after Aaron Ramsdale produced a number of point-saving contributions with Ibrahima Konate failing to bundle, what would've proved to be the winner, over the line from close range.
"It's difficult, there are many thing that come into play, of course," he said. "We competed against the team that has won it all, it was tight and even at the end, especially in the three games (that Arsenal drew), we lost momentum. There are so many things that can affect the season, we were close and we must use the disappointment to go closer.
"We will give it another try and hope we are even better."
For the former Real Madrid playmaker, it was another positive individual showing as he netted 15 goals, adding eight assists in 37 Premier League outings. The Gunners were believing they could go all the way to dethrone the east Manchester club but the experience of Guardiola's side proved too much.
The 24-year-old admitted he has "mixed feelings" over the season, he started: "He (15-year-old Martin Odegaard) would probably be proud I have to admit that. There has been a good season, I have delivered well and scored several goals.
"I have been more important to the team, it's been good but of course a tough end to the season which still hurts. So I have mixed feelings.
"I think this will bother me for the rest of my life," Odegaard continued. "We were very close, I almost managed to achieve my dream, I think it will be painful for the rest of my life but we have to try again next year, when we manage to do that (win the league) it will surely be easier. "
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