MARTIN: I'M ALWAYS ON MY GAARD

I haven't been good enough, but we can still win title'

- JOHN CROSS

MARTIN ODEGAARD says he does not need anyone to tell him he has "not been good enough" this season.

He had been the driving force of Arsenal's previous two title charges, but admitted that he has fallen below his own standards this time.

The Arsenal captain is well down on goals, assists and his form has been highlighted by Sky football pundit Paul Merson, who says the Norway midfielder has been "nowhere near" his best.

Odegaard has managed just two goals in the Premier League this season - whereas he got eight in the last campaign and 15 the previous year.

He has got just three assists this time compared to double figures last year.

It is a major factor in why Arsenal have fallen behind Liverpool in the title race, but Odegaard says he is determined to get back to his best and has refused to give up on chasing down Liverpool.

There were glimpses of him at his best in Arsenal's 7-1 win at PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday night and they will aim to carry that form into today's visit to Old Trafford. Odegaard said: "I'm very used to people speaking about me, judging my performances and I think I do that myself.

"I'm harder on myself and I know that I have not been good enough, especially in front of goal.