Ahead of today’s match against Sunderland at Emirates Stadium, Martin Ødegaard shares his thoughts on the team’s progress, the Carabao Cup final, his recovery, and the mindset required as the season heats up. Here’s an excerpt from his captain’s notes:

“It was fantastic to see the team get the job done on Tuesday, securing our place in the Carabao Cup final. We were solid throughout, with everyone performing well. Chelsea controlled possession, but watching from the sideline, I didn’t feel they were threatening. We defended excellently and didn’t allow them to create many chances. Overall, we were in control and defensively solid as a unit. The goal came at a crucial moment, and it was a special moment for Kai and the whole team to celebrate that win, reporting alldaysport.

Now, we’re all looking forward to the Carabao Cup final at Wembley. We’ve always said we want to win trophies, and this is our first opportunity to do so this season. It’s exciting to be there, and we’re determined to lift the trophy.

It was disappointing to miss the Chelsea match, but I felt a bit of discomfort during the Leeds game after coming on, and Tuesday’s match came too soon for me. Against Leeds, I was eager to make an impact when I entered the game. Every player must contribute when they come on to make a difference, and I was happy with my role in securing the win. The result was crucial after a tough period with a loss and a couple of draws in the league. It was a big win on the road at Leeds, a place that’s always difficult to play at, and everyone gave their best.

We showed our character – sticking together, pushing forward, and fighting for every point. As I mentioned after the Manchester United game, it’s never easy in this league. Losing is part of the game, but how you respond to it is what matters most. And our response was spot on.

Our focus remains on the next game, especially with the busy schedule ahead. However, it’s also important to step back and appreciate what we’ve achieved so far. I heard that this is only the second time in our history we’ve won five away games in a single month, which is something worth acknowledging. It’s been an intense period, and we always strive for more. When results don’t go our way, frustration can creep in, but it’s vital to remember the bigger picture.

We’re in a great position across all competitions and in the league. Let’s remind ourselves of that and continue to push forward, enjoying every day of the journey.

Now, it’s back to the Premier League, with Sunderland visiting us today. They’ve had an excellent season, are highly competitive, and can make things tough for anyone. We’ve already faced them away earlier in the season, and this will be another significant challenge. We need to maintain our high level, be ready for the test, and keep our momentum from the previous results.”/ALLDAYSPORT/