Martin Odegaard admitted to the Men in Blazers Media Network that the atmosphere at the 60,704-seat Emirates Stadium sometimes directly impacts players. "Sometimes you can feel it because there are so many people. You really feel that atmosphere," the Norwegian midfielder stated.

However, the Arsenal captain emphasized that most of the time, the crowd's support provides positive energy. "Every time you come to the Emirates, the atmosphere is always great. You get energy from the fans," he said. "Of course, at some point, they will be worried if we are protecting a lead, but that is part of football."

Odegaard stressed that anxiety is unavoidable at the highest level. "Stress is a part of football and you have to learn to deal with that. It is completely normal. Most of the time, the energy from the stands is unbelievable and they transmit that to us," the 27-year-old added.

Martin Odegaard (in red) dribbles during Arsenal's 3-2 victory over Kairat in the final Champions League group stage match at Emirates Stadium, London, England on 28/1. *Arsenal FC*.

The Norwegian midfielder's statements follow criticism from Roy Keane, who accused Arsenal fans of transmitting anxious energy to players during their 2-3 loss to Man Utd in Premier League round 23. According to the former Man Utd captain, the tense atmosphere at Emirates Stadium caused Arsenal to play without composure.

Keane observed: "The fans seemed anxious, as if they were afraid to embrace the challenge. They were more focused on not losing the match. The conceded goal seemed to make Arsenal falter; they played cautiously and with some tension."

Following the Man Utd defeat, Arsenal quickly responded with a string of positive results. Mikel Arteta's team defeated Kairat at home in the Champions League group stage finale, secured a 4-0 victory at Leeds to establish a six-point lead in the Premier League, and overcame Chelsea in the League Cup semi-finals.

Odegaard suggested that the experience gained from multiple title races has helped Arsenal mature. "Personally, and many other players, have been in this race for many years. That brings experience to the whole team. Every season, we develop more as a collective," he stated.

The Norwegian midfielder highlighted the psychological progress and individual maturity within the current squad. "Every player has become more seasoned and mature. With the squad we have this season, we feel we are in a very good position," Odegaard shared.

Arsenal is still competing in all four competitions. The "Gunners" lead the Premier League, have advanced to the Champions League round of 16 as group winners, will face Wigan in the FA Cup fourth round on 15/2, and play Man City in the League Cup final at Wembley Stadium on 22/3.

"We will continue to fight and push ourselves every day," Odegaard said, expressing his ambition to help Arsenal win their first major trophy since the 2020 FA Cup. "We believe in what we are doing and we believe in the squad. What I see every day on the training ground is what gives me confidence that the whole team can do it."

*Hong Duy (according to Daily Mail)*