Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has found himself facing scrutiny and questions about his decision to frequently substitute his team’s captain, Martin Odegaard, in recent weeks. Odegaard, who played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge the previous season, has been the subject of criticism due to what many perceive as a drop in his performance levels.
In a recent match against Sevilla in the Champions League, Arteta made the decision to replace Odegaard with another player after just 73 minutes of play. This decision, combined with a string of earlier substitutions, has raised eyebrows among fans and pundits. The most notable of these came in a high-stakes 2-2 draw against Chelsea, where Odegaard was taken off the pitch after only 78 minutes. Even former Arsenal player Emmanuel Petit publicly criticized Odegaard, labeling it as his ‘worst performance in an Arsenal shirt.’
In yet another instance, during a match against RC Lens earlier in the same month, Odegaard’s time on the pitch was similarly limited to just 80 minutes. These repeated substitutions have prompted questions about Arteta’s handling of the talented Norwegian playmaker, who was expected to be a key figure for the club.
Arteta, aware of the mounting questions and concerns, decided to address the issue in a press conference ahead of Arsenal’s upcoming home game against Sheffield United. He elaborated on the reasons behind his frequent substitutions of Odegaard, shedding light on the thought process behind these decisions.
“It can be in relation to performance,” Arteta explained, signaling that his decision to substitute Odegaard is at times influenced by the player’s on-field performance. If Odegaard’s level drops or he fails to adapt to the tactics being employed, Arteta sees it as his responsibility to make the necessary changes to benefit the team.
Arteta also highlighted the tactical aspect of his decision-making. He considers how the game is evolving and whether there’s a need for a different type of player on the field, someone he believes may be better suited to the situation. This reveals Arteta’s commitment to a dynamic approach, focusing on adapting to the changing dynamics of each match.
Furthermore, Arteta acknowledged the importance of freshness in his team, especially during matches where they’ve had to endure a busy schedule. Playing many games in quick succession can lead to fatigue among the players, and Arteta values having players with high energy levels in the crucial final minutes of matches. Substitutions can be a means to inject that much-needed energy into the team.
Arteta made it clear that he and his coaching staff have had discussions about Odegaard’s situation. He recognized the need to bring the best out of his front players, and Odegaard is no exception. The Premier League, known for its competitiveness and high-level performance, demands consistent top-tier displays. Therefore, Arteta’s substitutions are, in part, a response to this high standard and a proactive effort to put his players in positions where they can exploit their unique strengths.
The manager also highlighted the fact that many of his key players, including Odegaard, have accumulated substantial minutes on the field. This, he admitted, can have consequences on performance, as fatigue and the physical demands of continuous play can take a toll on a player’s ability to maintain top form.
