Mikel Arteta has explained his decision to substitute Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice during the second half of Arsenal’s goalless draw at home to Everton.
The result means Arsenal stay six points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, who were held to a 2-2 draw by Fulham at Anfield.
Club captain Odegaard and Rice were both removed after 62 minutes and replaced by teenage prospect Ethan Nwaneri and Jorginho respectively.
Asked why he chose to replace his first choice midfield partnership with the game hanging in the balance, Arteta said: “With Declan I had to take him off because he was feeling something. With Martin it was a tactical decision to try to change their rhythm.”
He added: “If Ethan comes in and he scores a goal, it’s a great sub. If he doesn’t, you have taken your captain out. That’s football.”
Arteta said Rice had been “dealing with a little niggle for a week or so” and asked to be replaced.
It’s the second weekend running that Arsenal failed to make up ground on their title rivals after they drew 1-1 with Fulham a day after the Merseyside derby was postponed due to adverse weather.
Arsenal remain third in the Premier League table, one point behind second-placed Chelsea, who have the opportunity close the gap on Liverpool when they play Brentford on Sunday evening.
Out-of-form Manchester City will pull level with Arsenal if they can beat Manchester United earlier on Sunday.
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(Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
