Tim Sherwood thinks Martin Odegaard’s actions at FT show Arsenal know they missed top-four opportunity

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Arsenal’s loss to Brighton was one of a side that know the pressure is on. They failed to cope with it, at home. Proven by Martin Odegaard’s actions at full-time, according to Tim Sherwood on Premier League Matchday Extra.

Odegaard got his side’s only goal. His long-range effort was well-struck, but the deflection took the ball over Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. But the goal came after 89 minutes, with the Seagulls already leading 2-0.

Arsenal did have chances, hitting the bar twice and almost got a late equaliser to cancel out goals from Leandro Trossard and Enock Mwepu – Eddie Nketiah’s header superbly tipped round the post by Sanchez.

But for the large part of the game, Arsenal were poor. They failed to live up to a side pushing for top four – or against a team that had not won in seven. At full-time, £30m (GOAL) Odegaard was on the floor, frustrated and angry.

Sherwood thinks his actions at full-time show that he knows Arsenal missed an opportunity with Manchester United losing to Everton earlier that day. The result was made even worse, when Tottenham beat Aston Villa 4-0.

“They need to get their job done, need to their concentrate on their game. Odegaard was on the floor there [at full-time], he knows that that was a missed opportunity. Everyone wants to play in the Champions League.

“It helps clubs recruit. Beginning of the season, it will have been their objective. When there is a chance to stamp your authority, at home, and you put in a performance like that – it will be very, very disappointing.”

Sherwood on Arsenal: Is it over for Gunners, as Tottenham steal march?

Right now, as things stand, Arsenal look as though they have it all to do. Manchester United and West Ham are certainly out of the running, after defeats to Everton and Brentford on the weekend.

Spurs have won seven of nine, and have a much easier run-in than Arsenal. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s game in hand is at Chelsea while Tottenham play host to the Gunners on May 12. Points will be dropped, but Spurs are winning.