Ødegaard urges Arsenal to turn Community Shield success into a trophy-winning season

Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard says winning the Premier League alone will not satisfy the club this season after their emphatic 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield.

The Norway international scored one of Arsenal’s goals and was named player of the match as Mikel Arteta’s side produced a dominant display against Manchester City on Sunday.

Ødegaard’s performance has increased his desire for further success before Arsenal begin their Premier League campaign against Coventry next Friday. The midfielder warned the club’s rivals that Arsenal are aiming to compete for several honours rather than settle for a single trophy.

“We wanted to show our level,” Ødegaard told the Daily Mail.

“Of course, we won the league last year. But this year we want more. There is a lot to compete for. We want to repeat the achievement in the league, as well as the other trophies. We have a lot of work ahead of us, and there is still a lot of room for improvement.”

Arsenal’s victory over Manchester City provided an early indication of their ambition after they secured the Community Shield in convincing fashion. Ødegaard played a prominent role in the result, combining his attacking contribution with the authority expected of the club captain.

The midfielder was also full of praise for new signing Bruno Guimaraes, who joined Arsenal from Newcastle United for £75m and made his first start for the club against Manchester City.

Guimaraes had previously faced Arsenal in several fiercely contested matches while playing for Newcastle United, but Ødegaard said the Brazil international had settled quickly into his new surroundings.

“It was really great, and very natural. From the first day he joined, it felt very natural. Even though we had some big battles with him in the past, he has become a natural part of the team,” he said.

Ødegaard believes Guimaraes can add strength both defensively and in possession, highlighting his ability to win the ball and his composure when controlling the game.

“You can see his quality. He can win the ball, he is a fighter, but he also has great quality on the ball,” he added.

“He has that quality, what can I say… He is very calm with the ball. He always takes enough time and finds the pass.”

The Arsenal captain said the midfielder’s influence had been evident from the beginning of his time at the club and expressed his excitement about playing alongside him during the season.

“From the moment he starts training, you can feel his presence and his talent. He is a great player. I am looking forward to it.”

Arsenal will now turn their attention to the start of the Premier League, with Ødegaard making clear that the club’s ambitions extend beyond defending their league title. Their opening match against Coventry on Friday will mark the first opportunity to build on the momentum created by their Community Shield triumph.