Martin Odegaard speaks out on ‘big fights’ with Arsenal star and gives transfer verdict

Martin Odegaard was a maestro in Arsenal's win over Manchester City, but the Norwegian has admitted there have been many "fights" with one new Gunner

Martin Odegaard

Martin Odegaard spoke honestly about one Arsenal transfer (Image: X/Football on TNT Sport)

Martin Odegaard reminisced on the "big fights" he endured with new Arsenal team-mate Bruno Guimaraes. The Gunners' £75million summer signing from Newcastle United featured in a competitive game alongside the Arsenal skipper for the first time.

While Guimaraes was substituted at the end of the first half, their first 45 minutes together were positive. He departed the Principality Stadium with the Gunners leading through goals from Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz and Odegaard. Not long ago, the Norwegian midfielder was battling against Guimaraes in the Premier League and the recent World Cup, which saw Norway overcome Brazil 2-1 in the round of 16. Now they are team-mates, Odegaard even made a playful remark about their previous rivalries as he praised the new signing's impact since coming in.

EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page

In his post-match interview, the Norwegian said: "I think he has been unbelievable since the first moment. He has come in here and feels like such a natural part of the team although we had some big fights in the past.

"He has been such a natural part of the team and you see his quality on the pitch, he is so good on the ball but he is also a fighter and he wins the ball.

"Christos (Tzolis) as well on the left, he had two assists today and a strong performance. I think everyone was good today so it was good to see."

Odegaard was among three different goal scorers in Cardiff. Myles Lewis-Skelly showed his quality when he provided the perfect assist for Calafiori to score the opener after barely 60 seconds. Havertz then nodded home an excellent knockback from Tzolis, who also enjoyed an excellent debut.

Martin Odegaard Bruno Guimaraes

Odegaard and Guimaraes look set to be a strong midfield partnership (Image: Eddie Keogh - The FA, The FA via Getty Images)

Countdown to Kickoff: The Essential 26/27 Sky Sports Bundle

Sky's Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle includes at least 215 live Premier League clashes across the 2026/27 season, with more than 1,500 games from the EFL and beyond, plus F1, golf and darts.

This introductory offer saves £384 compared to the standard price, with every package also providing 100 regular channels alongside free Netflix and discovery+ subscriptions.

The £34m man then showcased his class with an exquisite pass for Odegaard, who subsequently sent Gianluigi Donnarumma to ground before slotting into an unguarded net. City created opportunities, but were unable to beat David Raya, who produced two exceptional saves to deny Enzo Maresca's side.

It represented a commanding performance from the Gunners, who will enter their opening Premier League fixture against Coventry City brimming with confidence. Odegaard waxed lyrical about his side's display in his post-match interview, saying: "I think we showed our level today, I think we showed that we are ready.

"I think we showed we are serious and want to do it again. There are more trophies to go and that is the aim. We are well prepared and we are looking forward to the next one now. When you get a taste of how nice it is, you want to to do it again.

"There are also a few other ones we want to take, so we are ready. At this club you want to win all of them but that (Champions League) is the big one."