Odegaard believes Arsenal failed to perform to their expected standard after missing out on the League Cup quarterfinals.

Arsenal, after coming from behind to equalize thanks to a goal from Dzekeresh in the fourth round of the 2026/27 EFL Cup, suffered a shock defeat in a penalty shootout to League Two side Fleetwood Town. Martin Ødegaard stated that the team failed to perform to their expected standard and emphasized that the Gunners must take bigger steps forward.

In the 21st minute, Aaron Lupalo scored for Fleetwood to open the scoring at 1-0. In the 50th minute of the second half, Sedak O'Neill assisted Dzekeresh to equalize for Arsenal at 1-1.

In the 86th minute, Max Doman retaliated by kicking an opposing player after being tackled, resulting in a red card and his expulsion from the field. In the penalty shootout, Ødegaard, Havertz, and Dzekereish all scored, but Guimarães' penalty was saved by Fleetwood goalkeeper Jay Lynch.

Ultimately, Arsenal lost 3-5 to Fleetwood in a penalty shootout, thus ending their journey in this season's League Cup.

Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard said, "Being eliminated is definitely frustrating. We didn't perform up to par in this game and we need to do better. It's disappointing, but congratulations to Fleetwood. We're already looking ahead to the next game and hope to bounce back quickly."

“Fleetwood played very well, and we have to acknowledge their performance. But I think the problem with this game was that we didn’t play to our full potential, and we have to do better. I think the team improved during the game, but we still need to further elevate our performance. So it’s really a shame that we couldn’t do that.”

On the other hand, Arsenal will travel to Anfield to challenge Liverpool in the next round of the Premier League.

"We can't wallow in self-pity, we have to look forward. We have an important game ahead of us, and the only thing we can do now is to bounce back strongly in that game," said Odegaard.

Image source: Internet