Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s worries went beyond dropping points in consecutive games following their 0-0 draw against Everton in the Premier League on December 15. Speaking to the media in the aftermath of the match, the Spaniard revealed midfielder Declan Rice asked to be substituted off during the game after feeling an injury issue.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Arteta revealed the extent of Rice’s discomfort, saying:
“With Declan, I had to take him off because he was feeling something. He’s had a little niggle for the last week or so, and he asked to be taken off.”
Rice had a decent outing and played for around an hour, before being replaced by Jorginho in a like-for-like alteration. However, he was visibly slower in quite a few actions that he usually does not look so sluggish in, raising concerns among fans and the coaching staff alike.
The Gunners went on to only secure a point against the Toffees despite being at the Emirates Stadium, and it could cost them dearly in the weeks to come if they also lose Rice to injury.
Mikel Arteta gives low-down on Everton performance
Speaking after the match, Arteta also addressed other decisions such as taking Martin Odegaard off for Ethan Nwaneri. About that, the Spaniard said,
“I understand. If Ethan comes in and scores, it’s a great sub. If he doesn’t, you’ve taken your captain off. That’s football.”
He then spoke more about how he felt about the result, adding,
“Very disappointing not to win the game. We fully deserved to win. We conceded no shots, we dominated play, and we generated big chances, but we didn’t score.”
The manager was also quick to dismiss that Everton had an advantage due to a longer rest period, saying,
“It doesn’t matter. Look at the intensity of what we generated in the second half. It’s frustrating, especially when we concede zero chances and dominate the game so much.”
The Gunners will now shift their focus onto the EFL Cup, where they will host Crystal Palace in the quarter-finals on Wednesday, December 18.
