Arsenal are preparing for their Premier League opener against Wolves, with Martin Odegaard now sharing his favoured concentration method.
Odegaard will be eager to lead his team to an opening day win at the Emirates this afternoon as Arsenal welcome Wolves to North London.
After a long summer without domestic action, Mikel Arteta’s side return as the 2024/25 campaign commences, with another title charge on the Spaniard’s to do list.
The season starts with 90 minutes against Wolves, giving the players the chance to impress from the off.
How Martin Odegaard prepares for match day
Arsenal skipper Odegaard has opened up about his match day ritual that helps him to focus on the task in hand.
The Norwegian spoke to Men in Blazers ahead of the season opener against the Old Gold, where he explained how practising visualisation helps him to prepare for matches.
“I like to visualise how the game is going to be, where I can find space depending on the opponent, how they move, how they press, it’s something I do before every game,” Odegaard explained.
“I don’t sit down and think ‘I need to visualise now,’ but I always do it, in the hotel, on the bus or just before the game, it’s something natural.”
Many will hope that the Arsenal captain visualises a repeat of his previous two opening Premier League fixtures wearing the armband, where he led his teammates to two victories.
Arsenal’s Premier League record at home to Wolves
On the subject of victories, it’s something that Arsenal know how to pull off particularly well against this afternoon’s opposition.
In 13 top-flight visits to the Emirates, Wolves have won on just one occasion, with their last win coming back in 2020 when a 2-1 win was recorded.
Anything can happen in football and Gary O’Neil’s spirited side will be aware of that however, the Midlands club will also be aware of their unfavourable luck on the opening day.
An opening day win for Arsenal would hand Wolves an unwanted club record, as the Old Gold have never recorded four defeats on the bounce to start a league season.
The Premier League is never short of surprises but Arteta will hope for a predictable outing, as the summer’s preparation comes down to what his side can produce over 90 minutes this afternoon.
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