Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard insists the team are “excited” to face Manchester City in their next game as they attempt to bounce back from a surprise Champions League defeat.
The Gunners went ahead early against Lens at Stade Bollaert-Delelis on Tuesday night through Gabriel Jesus. But the French side, playing their first Champions League home game in 21 years, struck back with goals from Adrien Thomasson and Elye Wahi in either half to claim the victory.
The result put Lens into first place in the group standings after two games, one point ahead of Arsenal after they had thrashed PSV Eindhoven in gameweek one.
But Mikel Arteta’s side have barely any time to dust themselves off before they are back in Premier League action on Sunday – Manchester City are the visitors to the Emirates Stadium.
Despite a shock defeat to Wolves last weekend, the reigning champions still lead the Premier League table as it stands, a point ahead of both second place Tottenham and third place Arsenal.
“We have to keep going, learn from [the Lens defeat] and make sure we bounce back in the next game. That’s all we can do now, [we] to have to move on and learn from it…that’s it,” a defiant Odegaard told reporters after the game in north east France.
“Every game is [the perfect one to bounce back], but of course it’s a big game coming up and I think everyone is excited,” he added, asked specifically about playing Manchester City. “It will be a good game to play, so we have to look forward and make sure we’re ready and sharp on Sunday.”