Mikel Arteta defended the captaincy change Martin Ødegaard IN Arsenal‘S 0-0 draw Everton insisting it was a “tactical decision”.
The Gunners achieved a draw at the Emirates Stadium, during which, despite chasing the goal, Arteta replaced the influential playmaker Ødegaard in the 62nd minute for the teenager Ethan Nwaneri.
Arsenal were unable to find a way around the Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and could be four points behind second place Chelsea if they beat Brentford on Sunday.
“For Martin, it was a tactical decision to try to change the rhythm of this team,” Arteta said. “I see. If Ethan comes in and scores, it will be a great goal. If he doesn’t, you’ve eliminated your captain. That’s football.”
Ødegaard was replaced with a double substitution along with Declan Ricewho, as Arteta revealed, has fitness issues.
“With Declan, I had to take it off because he was feeling something,” he continued. “After all, that’s football – the hardest thing is to do what you have to do in the last 20-25 minutes.
“It’s also a credit to them, the way they defended, blocked shots, Pickford’s saves and the form with which they defended.
“Honestly, it’s hard to expect anything else from the team. OK, can we individually do things better, with a little more quality and deliver that magic moment when needed? Yes. But it’s not easy.”
