Despite Arsenal delivering a solid defensive display against Manchester City to earn a point at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday evening, captain Martin Odegaard admitted that they defended deeper than they initially planned.
City failed to score at home in the Premier League for the first time in 76 games, and while Arsenal had limited chances in front of goal, they were restricted to counter-attacking opportunities.
Liverpool now leads the Premier League by two points after their win over Brighton on Sunday afternoon, with Arsenal sitting in second place, and City in third, three points behind Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Odegaard acknowledged that Arsenal could have been more adventurous with the ball and kept possession, but the team defended deeper and had to deal with tiredness when trying to win the ball back.
Asked if he felt the Gunners could have been more adventurous against Pep Guardiola’s side, Odegaard told Premier League Productions: “That is the feeling we have also.
“We feel like we could’ve done a bit better with the ball and kept it. Especially when you win it and it’s so important the first one or two passes to take that first pressure off and get control of the game.
“But when you run so much and defend… I feel like we defended deep a bit more than we planned, so you win the ball and you are tired, so it’s really hard.
“But today we couldn’t do it, I agree it’s a step we can take in the future.”
EPL: Arsenal defended deeper than intended against Man City – Martin Odegaard
