Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta causes fury with controversial call in disappointing Everton draw
The Gunners were unable to win the showdown at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday
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Arsenal fans have blasted Mikel Arteta following their disappointing goalless draw with Everton on Saturday, with the Spaniard's substitutions raising eyebrows.
The Gunners went into the showdown hoping to pick up all three points as they target a first Premier League title since 2004.
But Arsenal were far below their best as Sean Dyche's plucky side dug deep to earn a draw.
It is a huge blow for the north London giants, especially given how Liverpool slumped to a shock defeat against Fulham on the same day.
Arsenal fans have blasted Mikel Arteta following their disappointing goalless draw with Everton on Saturday, with the Spaniard's substitutions raising eyebrows
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With the Gunners seeking a winner, however, Arteta decided to roll the dice - and sparked fury in the process.
Martin Odegaard, who has been nothing short of outstanding since his return from injury, was replaced by talented youngster Ethan Nwaneri.
And Declan Rice was surprisingly hooked for Jorginho, too.
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Writing on social media, Arsenal fans vented their frustrations after two of their most important players made way.
"Odegaard and Rice going off?! Arteta def got money on Everton," joked one user.
A second said: "Odegaard and Rice off. Just because Arteta is mad."
A third said: "Why has Arteta subbed of Odegaard? I hope it doesn't cost us the game."
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Another wrote: "Someone explain those #AFC changes to me. In danger of dropping still more points, this time to a bottom half team, and Arteta subs off Rice…AND ODEGAARD?"
A fifth said: "I can’t understand the ignorance of Arteta to sub off Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard. Both of them were playing well in the second half."
And a sixth raged: "Odegaard just opens up their team with one pass and gets taken off Arteta I’m not gonna lie if we don’t win this.. boyyyy."
Arsenal have undoubtedly come on leaps and bounds ever since Arteta replaced Unai Emery in 2019.
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Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard was surprisingly substituted during Saturday's goalless draw with Everton at the Emirates Stadium
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Yet the Spaniard needs to win a trophy to turn his team into a side capable of winning more silverware going forward.
Arsenal won't have too long to reflect on their failure to beat Everton.
They're next in action on Wednesday night, with the Gunners set to face Crystal Palace in the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup.
As for Everton, they'll be proud with a point.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be frustrated following his side's goalless draw with Everton
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Prior to the international break, the Toffees were thumped 4-0 by Ruben Amorim's Manchester United.
But their fighting display with please Dyche as they look to avoid being sucked into a relegation battle.