Mikel Arteta has defended his substitution of captain Martin Ødegaard in Arsenal's 0-0 draw against Everton by insisting it was a "tactical decision."

Martin Ødegaard has called for greater aggression and directness from Arsenal after the team’s 1-1 draw at Fulham saw them squander a chance to close the gap on Liverpool in the Premier League

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta told Sky Sports after today's draw: "Very disappointing not to win the game. We fully deserved to win the game. "We conceded no shots. We dominated play. When we generated big chances we didn't score a goal.

The title race continues to be dangled in front of Arsenal but no matter what Liverpool continue to do to hand them a chance at taking advantage of their dropped points, the Gunners - like a cartoon animal wearing a carrot on a string - remain unable to close the gap.

There are moments when a manager feels like he must simply obey his instincts and perhaps trust a little in the game’s capacity for drama, which may well be what persuaded Mikel Arteta to substitute his captain and chief creator Martin Odegaard just after the hour.