The Gunners have won two of their three games against fellow European hopefuls this season, beating Liverpool and Tottenham at home but losing to Manchester United away in what was their only defeat of the league campaign. Sunday’s clash at Stamford Bridge is just the second time Odegaard’s side have travelled to one of the ‘Big Six’ this term.
And he knows with the World Cup break just two games away that a win in south-west London would send a real message that they mean business. Captain Odegaard said: “These things are important for the confidence and for the feeling that we can beat these top teams away from home as well.
“The Manchester United game was frustrating for us. We controlled the game and played good football but we suddenly just gave away some easy goals and we lost the game.
“This is a game where we have to show a different side compared to the United game. We have to be ready to win these games, that’s important for us now.”
Arsenal have won their last two matches at Stamford Bridge but Odegaard was keen to play down that having any significance on Sunday’s fixture. He added: “I don’t think it’s too important but it gives you a good feeling, you have good memories.
