Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said his decision to withdraw captain Martin Odegaard soon after the hour-mark in the goalless draw with Everton was due to tactical reasons.

Odegaard was surprisingly taken off for Ethan Nwaneri in the 62nd minute at the Emirates Stadium, at the same time as Declan Rice, who made way for Jorginho.

But while Arteta put Rice's substition down to a niggling injury, he said Odegaard's was not fitness related.

"With Declan I had to take him off because he was feeling something, and with Martin it was a tactical decision to try to change the rhythm, especially on that side," he said.

The change did not appear to help Arsenal, who struggled to create chances in the closing stages as they missed the chance to close the gap on leaders Liverpool, who drew 2-2 with Fulham.

"I understand," added Arteta. "If Ethan comes in and he scores the goal... But if he doesn't, you have taken your captain out. That's football.

"His reaction was the same reaction as anybody’s. I'm sure they want to continue to play the 90 minutes, but that's why we have the subs, to try to help the team."