Before every game at Emirates Stadium, Martin Odegaard lifts the lid on the mood in the camp via his captain’s notes published in the matchday programme.
Ahead of tonight’s game against Wolves, our captain reflects on our midweek win in Bruges, Gabriel Jesus’ comeback, Marli Salmon’s debut and the work of Arsenal in the Community. Here is a snippet:
It was a really positive night in Belgium against Club Brugge. To score three goals and keep a clean sheet away from home in the Champions League to keep us on top of that table, with six wins from six matches, it’s a really good night’s work.
As always, there are still some things we could have done better in the game, but overall it was a very good night with a lot of positives. Noni’s first goal was so good! He really showed his qualities in that moment and that’s what we all know he can do. He drove with the ball, showed his braveness to take on and beat the defenders, and then obviously the finish was absolutely top class. It’s such a good goal all round, and I’m so happy for him. He’s been working hard for moments like this, so he really deserves it.
What a night it was for Gabby Jesus as well. He was quite emotional in the dressing room afterwards. Even when I came back from my injury, after about eight weeks or so, it was a special feeling when you can come back. But Gabby had been out for more than 300 days, so it’s such a long journey for him to get back. But what was great was how well he did when he came on. He made an impact straight away, he almost scored and it’s brilliant to have him back because he’s a great player and a great guy. He’s done so much for us and everyone knows he has unbelievable quality so he’s going to help us a lot.
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Jesus: “I’m more than ready”
It was a special night too for Marli Salmon, making his debut at just 16. It means a lot to everyone when we see a player that young play for the first time. It’s important for the club, for the players, myself and the other more experienced to help them settle in and be able to improve and grow. He’s another example of how well the Academy is working here because Marli is another top player coming through.
It’s something we all love to see and something we all appreciate. It’s not so common to see someone breaking through that young, especially in his position as a defender. He’s a bit quiet of course around the squad, but he’s a really great guy and when he’s on the pitch he gives everything. He trains hard and works hard every day. He has a really good attitude and it’s nice to see the defenders break through as well, not just the technical attacking players.
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At tonight’s matchday we are celebrating our community department’s 40th anniversary, and it’s brilliant to be able to reflect on all the work the club has done in that area for so long.
I’ve been involved in some of the projects myself, either at The Arsenal Hub, out in the local community and around the games as well, so I know how brilliant the staff in the department are, and how engaged they get everyone. As players we are really proud to play for a club that values the community like Arsenal does, to make those connections with our supporters wherever they are.
I remember when I was growing up that I always looked up to the players and the club in my hometown, and now I’m a player myself, I love to feel that support and connection here at Arsenal. It gives you a good feeling when you see how the name of Arsenal can impact people, because of the amazing work our community department is doing every single day. Let’s hope it continues for a long time to come!
Read the rest of Martin’s notes, as well as a host of other fantastic content, by buying the Arsenal v Wolves programme either around the stadium or online, or subscribe to get every edition delivered to your door.
Copyright 2025 The Arsenal Football Club Limited. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to www.arsenal.com as the source.
