Mikel Arteta explains why he removed Arsenal's Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard during Everton stalemate

By premiernews On Dec 14, 2024

Mikel Arteta has detailed his thinking behind pitting Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard against Everton.

The Gunners dropped vital points against the Toffees on Saturday and drew 0-0 at home.

Rice and Odegaard were replaced on the hourCredit: Getty

The two followed the rest of the game from the benchCredit: Getty

They missed a golden opportunity to gain ground on Premier League leaders Liverpool, who were also tied against Fulham, and second-placed Chelsea play Brentford on Sunday.

Eyebrows were raised within the Emirates when captain Odegaard and Rice were withdrawn in the 62nd minute for Ethan Nwaneri and Jorginho respectively.

Rice has only been substituted four times in the league this season, only missing two league games due to suspension and suffering a broken toe.

“Declan had to withdraw because he felt something, so he felt uncomfortable,” Arteta revealed to talkSPORT in his post-match interview.

Meanwhile, Odegaard appeared to be a tactical choice.

The Spaniard said: “With Martín it was my decision.”

Odegaard's playing time has not been as consistent as he and Gunners fans would like this season as he suffered a sprained ankle in September.

The Norwegian has played only 12 games this season, scoring one goal and providing two assists.

He has started 11 of those games.

Arteta rolled the dice again when he brought on Gabriel Jesus for Mikel Merino and Thomas Partey for Myles Lewis-Skelly seven minutes later.

Arteta's rolls of the dice did not pay off — Arteta's dice rolls didn't pay offCredit: GETTY

Leandro Trossard was also introduced for Gabriel Martinelli with 15 minutes remaining.

But the changes in the second half were of no use in the end.

The Gunners couldn't knock down a Everton team that had no shots on goal and only 23 percent of the possession.

Giving his opinion on the game itself, Arteta said: “It's very disappointing not to win the game. We totally deserved to win the game.”

“We didn't concede any shots. We dominated the game.

“When we created big chances we didn't score any goals.”

This is how things remain after the draws between Arsenal and Liverpool

Nor was he using Everton's increased time between games as an excuse after Arsenal's exploits in the Champions League in midweek.

“No. It doesn't matter,” he said. “Look at the intensity of what we generated in the second half.

“(Frustrating) especially when we concede zero (chances) and dominate the game so much.”

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