Mikel Arteta explains controversial Odegaard and Rice substitution with new Arsenal injury worry
Declan Rice was forced off for Arsenal with half an hour to play against Everton due to injury, Mikel Arteta has explained. Martin Odegaard, however, was replaced in a tactical change.
The pair of key midfielders both left the field with proceedings in the balance at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. Arsenal went on to pass up an opportunity to close the gap to Liverpool at the top of the table as they were held to a goalless draw.
The Reds also failed to win. Arne Slot's side came from a goal down twice with 10 men at Anfield as a door was left open for Chelsea, who play Brentford at home on Sunday.
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For Arsenal looking to build on Wednesday's 3-0 win over Monaco - which came as a response to the disappointment of drawing to Fulham themselves three days earlier - the result was disappointing. It made the change of personnel a surprise as Jorginho and Ethan Nwaneri came on to replace Rice and Odegaard.
“I had to take Declan off because he was feeling something," Arteta said at full-time. "With Martin it was a tactical decision.”
On Rice, Arteta added: "He’s been with a little niggle for the last week or so and he asked to be taken off." The 25-year-old had played every minute of the past three league games since being rested upon the return from November's international break.
He was further quizzed on the call to remove Odegaard, his captain, as well. "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."
Although Nwaneri did bring a burst of energy to Arsenal they were unable to find a way past Jordan Pickford, who was resolute in the Everton net. The Gunners were then denied a late penalty after Thomas Partey went down inside the box under a challenge from two Everton defenders.
VAR checked the incident but didn't send Craig Pawson for a pitch-side review. "I haven’t seen it so I cannot comment," Arteta commented when asked about the incident.
