Pundit claims Arsenal star’s reaction shows how he feels about top-four race

Tim Sherwood has claimed it was evident from Martin Odegaard’s reaction after Arsenal’s loss against Brighton just how significant the result was in the race for fourth.

The race for the Champions League places looked completely different two weeks ago, with the Gunners on a great run of form and having games in hand over their rivals.

However, Mikel Arteta’s men have since fallen to back-to-back losses against Crystal Palace and Brighton while Tottenham have blown Newcastle and Aston Villa away to completely change the equation.

Antonio Conte’s side now sit three points clear of their North London rivals in fourth and, although Arsenal have a game in hand, they also have a much more difficult run of fixtures between now and the end of the season.

Odegaard dropped to the floor and appeared frustrated and angry when the full-time whistle was blown at the Emirates on Saturday and Sherwood believes the Norwegian international’s reaction was indicative of what the Arsenal players feel about their top-four prospects.

The former interim Spurs boss said on Premier League Matchday Extra: “They need to get their job done, need to concentrate on their game.

“Odegaard was on the floor there [at full-time], he knows that that was a missed opportunity. Everyone wants to play in the Champions League.

“It helps clubs recruit. Beginning of the season, it will have been their objective. When there is a chance to stamp your authority, at home, and you put in a performance like that – it will be very, very disappointing.”

Spurs Web Opinion

The picture has certainly changed massively over the last couple of weeks but the race for fourth is still far from over. One slip up from Spurs over the next couple of weeks could once again give confidence to the Arsenal players. We play Brighton before their trip to Southampton on Saturday and it is vital that we win and put pressure on them.

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