MARTIN’S ON A MISSION TO STOP SPURS

MARTIN ODEGAARD says Arsenal are ready for the Champions League – and beating Tottenham to get there would make it even sweeter.

The Gunners travel to their bitter rivals tonight knowing victory would clinch a top-four spot and condemn Spurs to another year outside Europe’s top club competition.

And Odegaard, recently made captain by boss Mikel Arteta (inset), knows just how ■ by PAUL BROWN much that would mean to everyone at Arsenal.

He said: “That was our big goal this season, so if we can do it we’ll be very happy. Of course to do it there will be special.

“But the most important thing is to get there. It will be a big game of course.

“We know what we’re playing for and we know the history of these games and how big it is for the fans.

“Are we ready for the Champions League? I think so. But we have to show it in the last games and finish the job.”

Odegaard (left) actually believes Arsenal are ahead of schedule compared to where he thought they would be when he signed for the club.

The Norway star joined the Gunners from Real Madrid last August after impressing on loan, and has become a key figure in their push for the top four.

He said: “When I signed I said I really believed in the team, I really believed in the project from the manager. “So I believed we had the chance to do it. Maybe we’re a bit ahead of schedule, but still we haven’t done anything yet.” Odegaard also revealed the whole Arsenal team have been glued to the action in this season’s competition. He said: “When you watch those games you want to be there and fight for the best games so that’s the stage we want to be at.”