Captain Martin Odegaard has “no hope” anymore

Captain Martin Odegaard has already ticked off Arsenal FC’s first Premier League title since 2004. “It’s not a good feeling right now. I don’t know what happened, the way we played in the second half,” said the 24-year-old Norwegian after the 0-3 (0-0) defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion: “It feels like there’s no hope for us.”

The Londoners have been on course for the title for a long time this season. However, with the defeat, Manchester City are now four points clear of the Gunners and a game in hand. The team around national player Ilkay Gündogan won 3-0 (2-0) against Everton FC. Is the title race decided now? “Yes, it feels like it. It’s going to be very difficult now. It’s hard to accept,” said Odegaard.

Winning the title is “mathematically still possible,” says team manager Mikel Arteta, “but today it’s impossible to think about it. We have to digest the result and the performance in the second half first.”

Arsenal have won just two of their last seven games in the season finale. With another defeat next Saturday against Nottingham Forest (6.30 p.m. / Sky), the Gunners could make ManCity champions early. On Sunday (5 p.m. / Sky) the Citizens themselves have the chance to win their fifth title in six years with a home win against Chelsea.