Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard demands response in Chelsea derby as perfect starts go on the line

Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard has warned his team-mates to expect a physical battle when they face Chelsea in Sunday’s London derby at Emirates Stadium.

Both clubs have made perfect starts to the new Premier League season, and their unbeaten records will be tested in the third round of matches.

Arsenal have built on the defensive strength that served them well last season, beginning the campaign with consecutive victories and clean sheets against Coventry City and Aston Villa. Chelsea, by contrast, have already conceded five goals, although an impressive attacking display has helped them maintain their winning start.

Ødegaard said Arsenal had spent the week preparing specifically for their first major test of the season and had paid closer attention to Chelsea’s performances.

“We have been preparing for Chelsea all week, so obviously we have watched them a little more,” the Norway international said.

Speaking to the English newspaper Metro, the Arsenal captain praised Chelsea’s approach in the opening matches of the campaign and highlighted the quality available to their opponents.

“I think they have been really good going forward so far, playing good attacking football. They have some really talented players, and they have made more signings this summer,” he added.

Ødegaard believes Chelsea are capable of putting Arsenal under pressure in a range of situations, making Sunday’s encounter a significant examination of Mikel Arteta’s side.

“They have the ability to create problems in any situation, so it will be a big test for us and a tough game that we are really looking forward to,” he said.

The fixture is Arsenal’s first high-profile contest of the season and carries the added intensity of a local rivalry. Ødegaard said the timing of the derby, with both sides having started strongly, made it particularly important.

“It is a big game at the start of the season. They have started well, and we have started well. It is a derby, so of course it is a huge game,” he said.

Arsenal will be seeking a victory to extend their momentum and continue building on the progress made last season. Ødegaard also sees the match as an opportunity for his side to demonstrate their quality once again and remain at the top of the table.

“We want to win to continue the run, keep building and see this as a good opportunity for us to show our quality again and stay at the top,” he added.

The Arsenal captain said the team’s priority would be delivering the performance they have prepared for, rather than becoming distracted by the results of other clubs.

“If we put in the performance we want, it will not matter too much what the other teams do, but of course we will watch them and analyse them,” Ødegaard concluded.