Mikel Arteta has confirmed that the decision to substitute Martin Odegaard during Arsenal's goalless draw with Everton was tactical, while Declan Rice was forced off due to an injury concern.
Odegaard was replaced by Ethan Nwaneri with just under 30 minutes remaining at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. Arsenal were unable to break down a resilient Everton side, resulting in a frustrating 0-0 draw.
Arteta acknowledged the surprise among fans but defended his decision. 'If Ethan comes in and he scores a goal, it’s a great goal. If he doesn’t, you have taken your captain out. That’s football,' he said.
Regarding Rice, Arteta revealed the midfielder had been carrying a niggle for the past week and asked to be substituted. 'With Declan I had to take him off because he was feeling something,' Arteta explained.
The draw leaves Arsenal third in the Premier League, six points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand. Arteta expressed disappointment but praised his team's performance, stating, 'I cannot ask much more from the boys apart from putting the ball in the net.'
