Martin Odegaard saw the funny side after Sky Sports anchor Dave Jones reminded the Arsenal captain that he has already surpassed his goal tally from last season. The Norwegian scored Arsenal's third goal in Friday night's 3-0 win over Coventry, their second 3-0 victory in six days following the Community Shield success against Manchester City.
Two goals in two games
Odegaard also found the net in Cardiff, meaning his two goals this season have outdone the single goal he managed in the entire previous campaign. When made aware of that statistic on Sky Sports, he responded: "Thanks for reminding me."
His second-half strike against Coventry was a scuffed effort but still beat goalkeeper Carl Rushworth. "Top finish I would say," he said sarcastically with a smile.
Struggles last season
Last season Odegaard's only goal came in a 2-1 win over Brighton at the Emirates. On Friday he was named Player of the Match, and he admitted that last term he struggled to replicate the level shown in previous years, but feels ready to find top gear again.
"I think last season was a big struggle for me, lots of injuries and weird situations with bad luck. Could never find the rhythm, it is hard when you go in and out and sometimes you're maybe playing not at 100 per cent," he said. "It was hard, but I feel good now, my body is good. I had a good summer, a good World Cup and a good pre-season. Now I'm feeling 100 per cent and that always helps."
Title defence mindset
Arsenal's win was the perfect start to the defence of their Premier League title. Only three teams have ever gone back-to-back in the competition, but Odegaard insists that is the aim.
"For sure that's the mindset," he said. "We don't feel we have to defend anything. We want to do it again and that's the mindset. Last year is finished now, we want to do it again and we want to attack it and fight for it again."
He added: "The perfect start. It's always good to start with a win. A win at home, three goals and a clean sheet. It was really solid."
