Martin Odegaard believes Norway ‘should have had a penalty’ against Spain following Rodri’s heavy tackle on him.
The Premier League title rivals went head-to-head on Saturday in the countries’ first Euro 2024 qualifiers, with Spain securing 3-0 win to go top of Group C.
The game saw a fantastic twist at the end as 32-year-old ex-Newcastle player Joselu netted two in quick succession after coming on with 10 minutes to go to make his debut.
But it was Manchester City star Rodri’s tackle on Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard that stole headlines, with the Spaniard flying into the Gunners talisman and wiping him clean out inside the box.
The Man City midfielder somehow went unpunished for his challenge, managing to dodge a booking and avoid giving away a penalty, leaving Arsenal fans convinced he’d targeted his title rival on purpose.
And following the final whistle, Odegaard embodied Jose Mourinho in his post-match interview as he hinted he wasn’t too pleased with neither the tackle or the decision.
Speaking after the match, which Spain went on to win 3-0, he told TV2 : “I’m pretty sure I should have had a penalty. He’s coming with his studs right on my ankle.
“But I’m sure I’ll get punished [if I say anymore]. I don’t bother saying anything else about the referee. It’s better not to say anything.”
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Norway manager Stale Solbakken echoed Odegaard’s comments, too.
“It is a clear penalty!” he said. “He finishes the shot and you can’t [foul him after]. If I knock someone down after the ball is gone, then it’s a penalty. I get a little bored of this.”
The Gunners currently hold an eight-point lead over Man City at the top of the table, albeit having played a game more than Pep Guardiola’s side.
The title rivals will have to wait another month to face each other, as they go head-to-head with six games of the season to go.
But if Saturday’s clash between two of the side’s stars is anything to go off, it’ll be one feisty affair.