Leeds United’s league position counts for very little as Arsenal prepare for a rematch with one of their toughest opponents of the campaign in a game Martin Odegaard expects to be out of control. The Gunners captain has addressed the Whites in his programme notes at Emirates Stadium.
The Norwegian confesses their Leeds meeting at Elland Road was one of the most challenging matches they have had in what’s been a stellar season. Odegaard expects quality, physicality, hard running, intensity and stamina from Javi Gracia’s side.
“We face Leeds today and our game against them earlier this season was one of the toughest we’ve played,” he said. “We had a good first half that day, scored a good goal, but the second half was very different.
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“It was a difficult game, there was more chaos, we had to defend well and it was a tough one in the end. We came through it though to get the three points.
“We know whenever we play Leeds they have a lot of quality, but they are also a very physical team in terms of sprinting, covering ground and playing with intensity. That’s what we have to be ready for: a team that can make it a very challenging game.
“It’s up to us to make sure we play the game we want to play, and not their game. Whatever team you face in the Premier League, their position in the table doesn’t tell you too much.
“Every game is so difficult and any team can cause you problems. You need the same focus and same mindset going into every game.
“Obviously, when you face a team that are fighting to survive you can expect the game to be less controlled maybe. Key moments can make a big difference so we have to make sure we get the basics right and do the simple things, not overcomplicate it.”
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