Mikel Arteta has explained his decision to substitute Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard during their goalless draw with Everton, describing it as a tactical move.

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Despite pushing for a goal, Arteta replaced the influential midfielder in the 62nd minute with teenager Ethan Nwaneri. Arsenal struggled to break through Everton’s defense, with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford making key saves to keep the game level.

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The draw leaves Arsenal at risk of falling four points behind Chelsea in second place, should the Blues secure a win against Brentford on Sunday.

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"With Martin it was a tactical decision to try to change their rhythm on that side," Arteta said. "I understand. If Ethan comes in and he scores a goal, it's a great goal.

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If he doesn't, you have taken your captain out. That's football."

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Ødegaard was replaced in a double change along with Declan Rice, who Arteta revealed is managing a fitness issue.

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"With Declan, I had to take him off because he was feeling something," he continued. "At the end, this is football—the hardest thing is to do what we have to do in those last 20–25 minutes."Credit to them as well, the way they defended, the way they blocked shots, the saves that Pickford made, the shape that they defended with.

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"Honestly, it's difficult to ask something else from the team. OK, individually, can we do things a bit better and with a little bit more quality and deliver that magic moment when it's necessary? Yes. But that is not easy."

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