Martin Ødegaard praises Guimarães and Tzolis after Community Shield win and says Arsenal hungry to defend title

Martin Ødegaard praised new signings Bruno Guimarães and Christos Tzolis after Arsenal’s Community Shield victory over Manchester City in Cardiff on Sunday, and said his side are hungry to defend the Premier League title ahead of their season opener. Arsenal begin their title defence against promoted Coventry on Friday night.

Arsenal moved into a 3-0 lead within 48 minutes of the Community Shield match, with Tzolis — signed from Club Brugge for £34m — setting up Kai Havertz for the second goal and later assisting Ødegaard for the third just after half-time. Bruno Guimarães, who joined from Newcastle for £75m, started and put in a commanding first appearance before being replaced at the break by Declan Rice. Ødegaard said the new arrivals made an immediate impact in the win over Enzo Maresca’s side.

On Guimarães and the new arrivals, Ødegaard said: "Since the first day he came in, it has been such a natural thing. He can win the ball, he’s a fighter, but he also has so much quality on the ball. Christos, as well, it is good to have new players perform like that already."

Ødegaard reflected on his own recent form and fitness, noting he started 16 Premier League games last season and scored only one goal. He also referenced Norway’s run at the World Cup in the summer and said he had used last season’s injuries as motivation, stating: "Last season, to miss so many games because of injury was really frustrating. Obviously, I want to help the team score more goals, get more assists, and all that."

Addressing the significance of the Community Shield result, Ødegaard said of the win over Enzo Maresca’s side: "We wanted to show our level. Of course, last year we won the league. But this year we want more. There is a lot more to play for. We want to do it again in the league and then there are the other trophies. There is a lot to work for and still a lot of room for improvement."

Arsenal will open their Premier League campaign against promoted Coventry on Friday night, with Ødegaard expecting his side to carry the momentum from the Community Shield into the start of the title defence.