Arsenal star ready for heat of battle as Haa comes to town

MARTIN Odegaard is ready to embrace the heat of battle when Arsenal host City in a mouth-watering Premier League clash at the Emirates today.

- By ANDY HAMPSON

The rivalry between the two clubs has escalated with the Gunners coming closest to dethroning Pep Guardiola's side for the past two seasons.

The last meeting between Arsenal and City in September reached boiling point, with Erling Haaland launching a ball at Gabriel's head before telling Mikel Arteta to 'stay humble' as players and staff from both sides clashed at the full-time whistle.

Odegaard, who missed the match at the Etihad through injury, said: "It is normal that when you play in these big games that there is a big rivalry because you are competing and you want to be the best.

"We've been fighting against each other for the title so (the rivalry escalating) is a natural thing.