28/01/2026

Read

iPaper at Malaysian Paper

www.thesun.my Free access to iPaper PDF Download

app from the App Store or Google Play TM . Malaysian Paper or download

SCAN ME

SCAN ME

WEDNESDAY | JAN 28, 2026

Malaysian Paper

No fear factor Odegaard issues rallying cry to Arsenal teammates after United loss

Ű BY PHILIP DUNCAN

Manchester City and Arsenal have injected a “feel good factor” back into the club. United now sit in the top four, a point ahead of Chelsea and two clear of Liverpool. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens attributed Carrick’s success to a focus on fundamentals. “There have not been that many special things that he (Carrick) has done to be honest,” Lammens remarked. “But it has been about sticking to the basics. Football is basics. And if you do the basics well then the quality comes out and we have the play ers who have the quality to make the difference.” Lammens praised the team’s tactical disci pline: “Tactically, we were standing right. We were defending well together. As a team, he made it really clear what he wants from us, what he expects from us, and if you fight, and believe in that, you can get the win.” He concluded with a clear objective: “Now it is up to us. We are in the top four and we have to stay there.” As Manchester City and Aston Villa have stum bled in recent weeks, Arsenal have wasted the chance to turn the title race into a something of a procession. After back-to-back goalless draws against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, Arsenal con ceded three goals for the first time in nearly three years as a rejuvenated United won at the Emirates for the first time since 2019. “We lost a game … It’s how we react to that and I am very convinced because I know those players in that dressing room and how much we want it that we’re going to react immediately,” said Arteta when questioned about his side’s doubters. Despite their lofty position, a lack of invention in the final third is not a new problem for Arteta to solve. No Arsenal player has scored more than five League goals this season. The signing of Viktor Gyokeres has failed to end Arteta’s quest for a prolific No. 9, while star winger Bukayo Saka has gone off the boil with no goals in his last 13 games. However, Arsenal remain very much in the box seat for a first title since Patrick Vieira’s side went a full League season unbeaten in 2003/04, thanks in part to the unreliability of their rivals. – The Independent/AFP

A RSENAL captain Martin Odegaard has urged his team to channel their recent setbacks into motivation rather than fear, following a crucial defeat to Manchester United that tightened the Premier League title race. The Gunners’ lead at the top was cut from seven points to four after Matheus Cunha’s late strike secured a 3-2 victory for United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. Despite remaining in pole position for their first League title in 22 years, Arsenal supporters may be feeling the weight of three consecutive seasons finishing as runners-up. However, Odegaard was quick to dismiss sug gestions that growing anxiety among the crowd was affecting the players on the pitch, instead call ing for unwavering unity. “I didn’t feel that,” said the captain when asked about the atmosphere. He acknowledged the impact of past seasons but added: “Obviously (finishing second for three consecutive seasons) is a factor, but it can be a good factor too. It gives you more fuel and more hunger and determination to get it done.” Odegaard stressed the demanding nature of the League and the need for collective strength. “We have experienced in all those seasons that it is a long run and a lot of things can happen. It is time to stick together more than ever, look for the next game and bounce back,” he added. “It is tough in this League. It was never going to be easy. We just have to keep working and keep going. We are still top of the League. We are still in a good position.” Reflecting on the United loss, he stated, “We are disappointed we lost (against United). We should have won this game. But that’s football and there are going to be ups and downs. Now it is about how we deal with it.” Arsenal will now turn their attention to the Champions League, hosting Kazakh side Kairat Almaty tomorrow (4am Malaysian time), aiming to maintain a perfect group stage record. Meanwhile, a renewed sense of optimism has swept through Manchester United under interim head coach Michael Carrick. Consecutive victories against rivals

Alcaraz tames De Minaur

Barry rescues Toffees

- Story on page 28

- Story on page 30

- Story on page 31

Huge relief

theSun is published and printed by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd (221220-K) of Lot 6, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7784 6688 • Tel (Editorial): 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2625 Email: newsdesk@thesundaily.com • Tel (Advertising): 03-7784 8888 Email: advertise@thesundaily.com