Mikel Arteta
Image credit: Getty Images
Mikel Arteta has addressed the controversial substitutions of Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice during Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Everton at the Emirates on Saturday. The Gunners’ title ambitions took another blow as they failed to break down a resolute Toffees side, who are showing renewed solidity under Sean Dyche.
Just days after a frustrating draw against Fulham, Arsenal once again failed to capitalize on their rivals’ dropped points, remaining six points behind league leaders Liverpool, who also faltered with a 2-2 draw against the Cottagers. The Gunners have now gone three consecutive Premier League matches without a goal from open play.
With the game still goalless and Arsenal in desperate need of three points, the decision to replace captain Ødegaard and midfield anchor Rice shortly after the hour mark left fans at the Emirates perplexed. Ethan Nwaneri and Jorginho were introduced but struggled to make an impact, as Everton held firm to secure a hard-earned point.
READ MORE: Thierry Henry makes huge statement that excites Arsenal fans
Explaining his decisions, Arteta revealed that Rice was withdrawn due to fitness concerns, while Ødegaard’s substitution was tactical.
“Declan, I had to take him off because he was feeling something, and with Martin, it was a tactical decision to try to change the rhythm, especially on that side,” Arteta said.
Martin Odegaard
Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice were substituted in the 63rd minutes against Everton (Image credit: Getty Images)
The Arsenal boss acknowledged the risk inherent in such moves, adding: “I understand if Ethan comes in and scores a goal, it’s a great sub. If he doesn’t, you’ve taken your captain out. That’s football.”
Ødegaard, recently back from a long-term injury, reportedly reacted professionally to the decision, as Arteta explained: “The same reaction as [Gabriel] Martinelli. I’m sure everyone wanted to play 90 minutes, but that’s why we have subs—to try to help the team.”
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW.ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
Despite dominating possession and preventing Everton from registering a single shot on target, Arsenal failed to convert their chances. Arteta voiced his disappointment, saying:“Very disappointing not to win the game. We fully deserved to win. We conceded no shots. We dominated play. When we generated big chances, we didn’t score a goal.”
Arteta dismissed any notion that Everton’s longer rest period gave them an edge. “No, it doesn’t matter. Look at the intensity of what we generated in the second half,” he said.
The result leaves Arsenal needing to address their attacking inefficiency quickly as they look to keep pace in the title race. While the Gunners remain competitive, a lack of clinical finishing could prove costly in their pursuit of silverware.
NEXT ARTICLE: Mikel Arteta delivers early Christmas present to Arsenal fan