Martin Odegaard reveals the ‘massive’ factor which could be key in Aston Villa clash

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Arsenal are entering the business end of the Premier League season, with Aston Villa next on the agenda for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Following the disappointment of their FA Cup exit, the Gunners returned to winning ways in the North London Derby.

Now just four points behind leaders Liverpool, Arteta will be hoping to carry that winning formula into their clash with Aston Villa.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LiverpoolLiverpool	20	14	5	1	48	20	28	47
2	ArsenalArsenal	21	12	7	2	41	19	22	43

The Villians, however, will present a tough task for the Gunners, with Unai Emery currently unbeaten at the Emirates since his N5 exit.

Arteta praised the North London Derby atmosphere and the Spaniard will be hoping the Emirates Stadium crowd can inspire his side to three points – something Martin Odegaard has echoed in the lead-up to the Villa game.

Martin Odegaard labels Emirates atmosphere as ‘massive’ for Arsenal

The Norwegian was instrumental in Arsenal’s dismantling of Spurs, playing a key role in midfield alongside the likes of Declan Rice.

Odegaard will again have to be on top form if the Gunners are to overcome Aston Villa, and the midfielder will be hoping the Arsenal supporters are also on their A game, after praising their impact in the North London Derby.

Speaking in his captain’s notes ahead of the Villa game, Odegaard said:

“The atmosphere inside the stadium was absolutely top-class from start to finish. You can see a lot of negativity on social media after the last two games, but when we come to the stadium and feel the support and the energy – it’s massive for us.

“How everyone reacted after they scored their goal made a big difference to us. We kept on going and you kept behind us. The atmosphere was top, we loved it and we thank you. We hope we made you proud, and it was a beautiful moment to share that with you all at the final whistle,” via Arsenal.com.

Odegaard believes he is ‘getting back to his best’

Odegaard has been criticised by Arsenal fans at points this season following a number of inconsistent performances.

With that being said, the 26-year-old’s display against Spurs was a glimpse back to the Odegaard, Arsenal fans know well and love.

When speaking on his struggles so far this campaign, the midfielder revealed injuries and illness have been affecting his performance levels.

“As for my own performance, I feel like I’m getting back to my best level. It’s still not quite there yet, but it’s getting better after the injury earlier in the season, and I had some illness too so I felt rough for a bit.”

Odegaard however believes those struggles are now behind him and he’s getting back to the player he was at Arsenal.

“Now I’m feeling great physically and feel like I’m performing well, and creating a lot of chances in the games. I should have scored though, and that’s really annoyed me that I didn’t manage to do it, because I’m looking for that goal.”