The Gunners are vying to become champions for the first time in 20 years and Odegaard claims that the "painful" experience of being reeled in by Manchester City last term will be useful as the tension ramps up in the three-way fight with Liverpool and Pep Guardiola's side.

The Arsenal captain told TNTSports: "I think you see a more mature team. We've learned a lot from what happened last season.

"It was a really tough end from everyone at the club. But I think we started in a good way and we are a lot stronger this year.

"Obviously we had some new players coming in and we brought in some quality, but I think what we went through was good for the team to progress and grow.

"It was painful but if you use it in a good way, it can help you. So hopefully that's what we can do this year."

Odegaard explained that ignoring outside noise will be crucial in the coming weeks and stressed that the team can only influence things under their control.

The Norwegian playmaker said: "It's such an emotional game - a lot of pressure, a lot of people talking and all this. As I said, the main thing is to focus on what we can control, what we can do.

"That's day by day in training every day and being a little bit better, and working on the details where we can do better. I think if you focus on those things, it's easier to keep your mind cool as well. That's the way to go.

"It (winning the title) would mean everything. As I said before, it's a long way to go and we have to take it day by day. Of course, you have to dream, we will see what happens if we focus and work hard."