Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard sends warning to Manchester City after Chelsea win - 'We will fight to the end'
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ByEurosport
Updated 03/05/2023 at 09:29 GMT
Arsenal ended a run of four games without a victory in the Premier League by beating a troubled Chelsea convincingly at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday. Martin Odegaard scored twice in a 3-1 victory over the Blues and the club captain has warned rivals Manchester City that Arsenal will "fight to the end" for the league title. Meanwhile, Cesar Azpilicueta has demanded better from Chelsea.
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Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has warned Manchester City that the Gunners will “fight to the end” for the Premier League title.
Odegaard scored a first-half brace as Mikel Arteta’s side brushed aside a troubled Chelsea 3-1 at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.
Gabriel Jesus also scored as Arsenal threatened to chalk up a huge victory with three goals in the opening 34 minutes.
Frank Lampard’s side – who have now lost six consecutive games – were significantly improved in the second half and were rewarded with a goal from Noni Madueke.
But the hosts were always in control as they bounced back in perfect fashion from the 4-1 defeat to Man City.
Victory moves Arsenal back to the top of the Premier League with a two-point lead but Pep Guardiola’s side have two games in hand over their rivals.
Reflecting on the performance against Chelsea, Odegaard told Sky Sports: "Especially the first half was brilliant. We came out and showed a different spirit to last time [the 4-1 loss to Manchester City].
"I'm very happy with the first half, the second was a bit messy but three points and a good win and we needed this one.
"Everyone was so hurt after the game [against City]. We used the anger and the disappointment to get back into this game. You can lose games but the way we lost, we didn't play our game and weren't ourselves, that was the most painful thing, and we wanted to show a different side and we definitely did.
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'We were nice to play against' - Lampard reacts after loss against Arsenal
"I just try to help the team. This year I've scored more goals, Granit [Xhaka] with two good passes and that made it easier. I just tried to be in the right area and as soon as I see him attacking the space I just have to be in the right place.
"In the second half we didn't keep the ball enough. They went a bit more direct and after the duels we didn't keep the ball.
"We have to fight and keep going. We believe and will fight until the end."
Chelsea’s season fell to a new low under interim boss Lampard and they had goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga to thank for keeping the score respectable.
Lampard insists his side will strive to put things right.
"Not good enough first half, that's what confirms the result. Much better second half, but not good enough first half," he told BBC Sport.
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Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea looks dejected as they applaud fans after their side's defeat to Arsenal during the Premier League match.
Image credit: Getty Images
"We were too nice to play against in all aspects in the first half. In the second half we played much more like a team that has a threat up top. In the first half we were too easy to play against.
"It's tough because you want to win games, but it's our job, we'll work on it."
Cesar Azpilicueta said the players accept responsibility, and with Chelsea occupying a lowly 12th position with just five games of the season remaining, the skipper is demanding improvement.
He told Sky Sports: "The first half we were quite passive. We know they are a dangerous team and will bring a lot of people forward but we should've done better with the ball.
"In the second half we showed a bit of a reaction, in the first half we were far from there. It's tough for everybody, we're not in a good position. The reality is what we have now. We have to go through it.
"We are all disappointed, the fans at the club. We have to take responsibility and that's the only way. It's very hard, we didn't expect to be here but that's where we are. We have five games left, we have to show a positive energy and win games.
"It's the worst run since I've been at the club. We're the ones playing on the pitch and we have to turn this around. It's hard for everybody and we have to come through these moments. Off the pitch we have a lot of things to work on."
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