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Mikel Arteta has explained his decision to substitute Martin Odegaard for Arsenal during the second half of their match against Everton.
Arsenal struggled to defeat Everton on Saturday and failed to close the gap on Liverpool in the Premier League title race.
The Gunners were held to a 0-0 draw at the Emirates by the Toffees and could not take advantage of Liverpool’s draw against Fulham.
The result leaves Arteta’s men in third place on the league table, six points behind Liverpool, who still have a game in hand.
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Arteta explains Odegaard’s substitution
Arteta has explained his reason for taking off his captain in the second half of Asrenal’s draw against Everton.
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According to the Daily Mail, he said, “With Declan, I had to take him off because he was feeling something.
“With Martin, it was tactical. I understand. If Ethan comes in and scores, it's a great sub. If he doesn't, you've taken your captain off. It's football.”
Arteta bravely decided to remove his captain, substituting young Ethan Nwaneri for the Norwegian in the second half.
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Given that Odegaard had just returned from a period of absence, the move raised concerns that he might still be carrying an injury, but Arteta maintained that the choice was solely tactical.
Declan Rice also made way for Jorginho, but Arsenal was unable to break the impasse, and the match concluded without a goal.
On Wednesday, the Gunners will welcome Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup quarterfinal at the Emirates in an attempt to get back to winning ways.
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