Martin Odegaard says Arsenal are ready for the “heat” ahead of their bitter showdown with Manchester City. Gunners captain Odegaard claims the rivalry between Arsenal and City has pushed them both to new levels in the Premier League title race. City and Arsenal players were involved in angry scenes at the end of their draw at the Etihad in September when Erling Haaland made his famous “stay humble” taunt.

Odegaard said: “I think it is normal when you play these big games that there is a big rivalry. You are competing and you want to be the best. So, that’s how it should be and there should be a little bit of heat sometimes. “With Man City, we have been fighting with them for the title for a few years and I think it makes you better. It has to get the best out of you and that’s what we want to achieve this year.

“It’s hard to compare, but I think it has been big the last two years - especially last year going into the last day and all that. I think that is something everyone will have in mind going into the game - supporters and players - and maybe it brings that extra tension. “But that is good, we like it. We like that sort of feeling, you also have it with the North London Derby. It is a special feeling and those are great games to play in. Everyone is looking forward to it.”.

That previous meeting saw Mikel Arteta get involved in a heating exchange with Haaland, Arsenal had to play with ten men for the whole second half after Leandro Trossard was sent off and then City snatched a last gasp equaliser. It stoked up the rivalry between both clubs and also Arteta and City boss Pep Guardiola despite them previously being great pals and the Arsenal manager was previously a coach at the Etihad.

Haaland will be public enemy No1 with Arsenal fans at the Emirates on Sunday but Odegaard revealed he remains very good friends with his Norway team mate. Odegaard added: “We are good friends. Him and a few of the other boys from the national team, we have a little group chat, so we stay in touch there and we speak every now and then. We haven’t spoken about the game, but he is a good friend, so I speak to him.

“I think in football, games like this, the emotions are so high and the adrenaline is there and everything. So, that’s something that can happen on the pitch and then when you walk off the pitch, then you are done with it. It is not something I think too much about. “But then, I think a lot of the players know each other from the national team - England, Brazil, me with Erling - so on the pitch and off the pitch it is a bit different. When we are on the pitch, then it’s a good battle.”.

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