Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has disclosed that Declan Rice asked to be substituted during the Gunners’ goalless draw against Everton on Saturday. The result left Arsenal six points adrift of league leaders Liverpool, compounding their recent struggles in the Premier League.
Rice, who has been pivotal for Arsenal this season, was replaced by Jorginho just after the hour mark, raising concerns among fans. Speaking in his post-match press conference, Arteta explained that the England international had been managing a minor issue in the lead-up to the match.
“With Declan, I had to take him off because he was feeling something,” Arteta said. “He’s had a little niggle for the last week or so, and he asked to be taken off.”
The 25-year-old midfielder has been a near ever-present figure for Arsenal this season, featuring in 20 matches across all competitions. His absence against Everton marks only the fifth game he has missed since joining the club. Arteta will be hoping Rice recovers in time for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace, with Arsenal already struggling with injuries to key players like Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta explains Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard substitutions as Arsenal stumble against Everton
Rice’s withdrawal wasn’t the only substitution that drew attention. Club captain Martin Ødegaard was also replaced at the same time, with 18-year-old Ethan Nwaneri taking his place. The decision baffled some fans, but Arteta clarified that the move was tactical.
Declan Rice
Declan Rice (Image credit: Getty Images)
“I understand,” Arteta said. “If Ethan comes in and scores, it’s a great sub. If he doesn’t, you’ve taken your captain off. That’s football.”
Ødegaard, recently back from a long-term injury, was visibly frustrated, but Arteta reiterated the importance of making changes to influence the game.
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Despite dominating the match, Arsenal were unable to convert their chances, leaving Arteta frustrated with the outcome. The Gunners controlled possession and restricted Everton to zero shots on target, but they failed to find the breakthrough.
“Very disappointing not to win the game,” Arteta said. “We fully deserved to win. We conceded no shots, we dominated play, and when we generated big chances, we didn’t score.”
He also dismissed suggestions that Everton’s longer rest period, following the postponement of the Merseyside derby, gave them an edge.
“It doesn’t matter,” Arteta insisted. “Look at the intensity of what we generated in the second half. It’s frustrating, especially when we concede zero chances and dominate the game so much.”
With the title race heating up, Arsenal will need to rediscover their clinical edge in front of goal. Arteta faces a challenging week ahead as he balances the need for squad rotation with maintaining momentum in the Carabao Cup and Premier League.
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