EPL: Arteta reveals why he substituted Odegaard in recent fixtures

Mikel Arteta, manager of Arsenal, has explained why he has been replacing midfielder Martin Odegaard in recent weeks.

Odegaard had 15 goals and eight assists in 37 games last season as Arsenal came close to winning the Premier League title.

However, the Norwegian captain has endured criticism this season, with his performances clearly declining.

Arsenal defeated Sevilla 2-1 in the Champions League, and Arteta came on in the 73rd minute to replace Odegaard.

Odegaard was substituted in the 78th minute of the previous game against Chelsea.

On Friday, Arteta was asked about substituting the 24-year-old ahead of this weekend’s home fixture against Sheffield United.

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“It could be related to performance,” he said. It could also be related to tactics or how the game is evolving to a sort of game that I believe someone else would be more suited [to].

“Sometimes it is to get more freshness in the team because we have played a lot of games, and we need a lot of energy in the last few minutes.”

Kanyidaily recalls that Arteta has hinted on Arsenal goalkeeper that will start in Champions league