Mikel Arteta reveals why he hooked Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard early during the Gunners' disappointing goalless draw against Everton
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Mikel Arteta has revealed why he elected to bring Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard off in the second half of their clash with Everton. With Manchester City in the midst of a historic slump and Liverpool dropping points against Fulham, the Gunners had a golden opportunity to reignite their title charge on Saturday.
![[Odegaard made way just after the hour mark with the Gunners chasing an opening goal]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/14/23/93158449-14193887-image-a-31_1734219867619.jpg)
Everton travelled to the Emirates having won just one of their away games in the Premier League this season, whilst languishing close to the relegation zone. However, despite dominating possession throughout the clash and creating numerous chances, the hosts failed to find a way in front.
![[The decision marked the fifth time in as many Premier League games that Odegaard has failed to see our the 90]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/14/23/93158443-14193887-image-a-32_1734219884643.jpg)
With an opening goal still eluding them after the interval, Arteta made the bold decision to bring off his skipper, replacing the Norwegian with teenager Ethan Nwaneri just after the hour mark. Declan Rice also made way, to be replaced by Jorginho, but Arsenal were still unable to break the deadlock and the game ended goalless.
![[Despite a host of chances, the hosts were unable to break the deadlock at the Emirates]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/14/23/93158583-14193887-image-a-34_1734220104458.jpg)
Mikel Arteta has insisted his decision to bring off captain Martin Odegaard against Everton was purely tactical. Odegaard made way just after the hour mark with the Gunners chasing an opening goal. The decision marked the fifth time in as many Premier League games that Odegaard has failed to see our the 90.
![[A draw sees the Gunners remain six points behind Liverpool, who have a game in hand]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/14/23/93158563-14193887-image-a-33_1734220029862.jpg)
The move led to speculation that Odegaard could still be carrying an injury after recently returning from a spell on the sidelines but Arteta insisted the decision was purely a tactical one. 'With Declan I had to take him off because he was feeling something.' Arteta explained.
