Arsenal: Mikel Arteta explains surprise Martin Odegaard change as Declan Rice injury scare revealed | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta confirmed he was forced into making one of the midfield changes

Mikel Arteta has revealed the decision to hook Martin Odegaard during Arsenal’s goalless draw with Everton was tactical - but Declan Rice was struggling with an injury.

The Gunners were chasing a goal at the time and Arteta admitted afterwards he could understand why some fans may have been surprised by the decision to substitute Odegaard.

The Norwegian was taken off for Ethan Nwaneri, but Arsenal were unable to break Everton down and were held to a 0-0 draw.

“I understand,” said Arteta, when told some fans may have been surprised by the decision to take Odegaard off.

“If Ethan comes in and he scores a goal, it’s a great goal. If he doesn’t, you have taken your captain out. That’s football. I am sure they wanted to play 90 minutes but that is why we have the subs, to try to help the team.”

Rice was taken off at the same time as Odegaard, however Arteta has confirmed that was for fitness reasons.

“With Declan I had to take him off because he was feeling something,” said Arteta. “With Martin it was a tactical decision to try to change their rhythm on that side.

Declan Rice asked to be brought off against Everton

Action Images via Reuters

“He (Rice) has been with a little niggle for the last week or so. He asked to be subbed in that moment, so we have to do it.”

The draw was a frustrating result for Arsenal as they failed to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool, who were held at home to Fulham.

The Gunners are still third in the league and six points off Liverpool, but the Reds have a game in hand.

“I feel very disappointed not to win the game,” said Arteta. “Obviously there was only one team who deserves to win - which is Arsenal.

“We did gave nothing away, no shots conceded, we dominated their play, didn’t allow them to run, no set-pieces, high press excellent.

“We generated the chances. But in the last 20 metres we were missing to score goals - which is what you have to do with all the dominance because we have never been able to dominate it that way.

“At the end you have to generate the highest possible winning probability. We certainly did that. At the end if you draw the game you always want more. We want more. But I cannot ask much more from the boys apart from putting the ball in the net.”