In the aftermath of a closely contested match against Crystal Palace, Arsenal’s captain, Martin Odegaard, has expressed his belief that players must swiftly adjust to the novel regulations introduced in the Premier League. Despite deeming the initial yellow card that resulted in the ejection of his teammate, Takehiro Tomiyasu, against Crystal Palace as “harsh,” Odegaard emphasized the inevitability of conforming to the league’s new rules.
The Gunners managed to secure a 1-0 triumph over their London rivals on Monday at Selhurst Park. However, their victory came at a cost, with the team enduring the final segment of the match with just 10 players on the field after Japanese defender Tomiyasu was sent off.
Tomiyasu’s dismissal followed his receipt of a second yellow card, which was handed for a relatively minor foul on Jordan Ayew. This occurred a mere seven minutes after he had been cautioned for time-wasting during a throw-in.
Premier League referees are currently under strict instructions to curtail instances of time-wasting on the field. In the wake of Monday’s match, Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, voiced the notion that a stopwatch might be necessary to ensure consistent decision-making across matches.
Odegaard, who successfully scored the solitary goal of the game through a penalty kick after Eddie Nketiah was tripped by Palace goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, offered his perspective on the situation, highlighting the necessity for players to gradually adapt to these changes.
“It’s uncharted territory, and while it might not be easy, we must acclimatize,” Odegaard shared. In relation to Tomiyasu’s contentious yellow card, Odegaard opined, “The initial yellow card seemed unjust. It’s my belief that Tomiyasu wasn’t deliberately stalling; he simply didn’t have an available teammate to pass to. It’s a complex situation, but we have no option but to adapt. The reality is unalterable; our choices are limited.”
Odegaard continued, “Obtaining yellow cards has become more attainable, demanding enhanced caution from all players, including myself.”
Further addressing the newly implemented rules, Odegaard asserted, “While it’s vital to keep the rule changes in mind, I don’t believe we should become overly preoccupied with them. Our primary focus should remain on the game itself.”
Arsenal has distinguished itself as one of the select three teams to triumph in both of their initial two fixtures at the commencement of the new season.
When questioned about whether winning takes precedence over performance during this early stage of the season, Odegaard responded, “Securing victories is paramount. The inception of the season is consistently challenging, necessitating time for all players to find their rhythm and peak condition. Thus, it remains imperative to secure the three points and subsequently build upon them. I’m immensely content with the win, and I am confident that our performance will only improve as we proceed.”
Reflecting on the recent victory, Odegaard concluded, “The encounter proved to be an arduous one, demanding resilience and determination. Competing on this turf mandates the capacity to endure adversity, a challenge we were well aware of prior to the match. Our execution was commendable, and the acquisition of the three points was undeniably well-deserved.”
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