Arsenal club captain Martin Odegaard has made a promise to Gabriel Jesus ahead of the Gunners clash against Fulham.
Odegaard assumed the role of club captain this season following the departures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette. The Norwegian playmaker has started the season strongly and began to form a good relationship with summer signing Jesus in attack.
Arsenal are set for a difficult test in the London derby this evening with Fulham returning to the Premier League on a mission, with Marco Silva's side currently unbeaten in their opening three games including an impressive draw against Liverpool on the opening weekend. Odegaard is aware of the Cottagers' threat, particularly star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, and wants to continue the Gunners fine form that sees them currently sit top of the table.
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Speaking to Arsenal's official club website, Odegaard discussed his relationship with Jesus, his own form, Bernd Leno's return to the Emirates Stadium and Mitrovic's threat. The 23-year-old said: "I was a bit frustrated with myself after the Palace game, when I should have done better in front of goal, and as I’ve said before, that’s an area I want to improve, so it was good to get a couple of goals against Bournemouth.
"I’ve been waiting a bit to get that first goal, and to get two so early on was brilliant for me, and it helped the team to get another win as well so I was really pleased. I spoke about the connection I’m building in the team with Gabriel Jesus and I think you saw that in the second half [vs Bournemouth].
"It’s a shame his goal was disallowed for offside because it looked really close, in fact when I saw the replay I still don’t think it was offside. It would have been a great goal by him. I felt like I owed him the assist though after the second goal when I took the shot in front of him, so hopefully I can give him one back today."
Arsenal are the only team to maintain a 100% record in the Premier League so far and are looking to continue their brilliant form heading into the game against Fulham. "It's nice to see us on top of the table though, especially as some of the big clubs have already dropped points," Odegaard added.
"Again it shows how tough this league is, all of the teams can create problems against anyone. Today’s opponents [Fulham] have already shown that, getting a draw with Liverpool and not losing in the league yet this season."
Marco Silva's side picked up their first win of the season against Brentford last weekend and are looking to cause a similar upset this evening against Arsenal as they did against Liverpool on the opening weekend. Odegaard is aware of the threat Mitrovic and co represent, but admitted he is looking forward to welcoming Leno back to the Emirates Stadium after the German goalkeeper completed a permanent transfer to Fulham this summer.
"Fulham have got good players all over the pitch, it’s a very strong team with a lot of individual qualities. Aleksandar Mitrovic is always dangerous in the box and they created a lot of problems for Liverpool," the Norway international continued.
"They too have got lots of confidence as a team, after a good start but also coming off last season when they basically won all their games, so they are used to that. We have to be very sharp to beat them.
"When you talk of the strength of the Premier League, you see Bernd Leno now in goal for Fulham, that’s an amazing signing for them. We know how good he is, and it will be great to see him back at the Emirates today. We wish him all the best there, but not today of course!"
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