Mikel Arteta reaction — What did Arsenal manager say after disappointing draw vs Everton?

Arsenal coughed up two points at home to Everton, as Mikel Arteta’s side drew 0-0 on Saturday.

Jordan Pickford put in an inspired display to stop Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard on multiple occasions, as Sean Dyche’s Everton were disciplined and stood tall.

Arsenal have now failed to score a goal from open play in their last three Premier League games and Arteta wasn’t pleased with how his side approached breaking down Everton.

He also provided an update on Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, as Arsenal’s star midfield duo were subbed off with 30 minutes to go.

Mikel Arteta reaction after Arsenal draw vs Everton — “We fully deserved to win the game”

Mikel Arteta told Sky Sports that Arsenal “fully deserved to win the game” and speaking to the BBC after the game he was asked if he was frustrated by the result.

“Very disappointed not to win the game, obviously,” Arteta said. “You don’t concede any shots off target, on target. They don’t run at all. You don’t concede any set pieces. You arrive there and you have chances, it is about scoring goals. We lacked that today.”

Arteta was then asked about Everton being so well organized and how during the game Arsenal seemed to grow more frustrated. He pointed to Arsenal having to improve in the final third as the main problem.

“We opened them up. We had the chances. In the end you have to put them away,” Arteta said."When we have to run back we are one of the best in the world. When we have to dominate direct play, the same. The next phase, the same. High press, again, we win every ball.

“But we have to be the best now in the last 25 meters when we have those situations to put them away. Against a block like this you are obviously not going to generate 20 open chances. That is the disappointment. For the rest, I cannot ask much more of the players.”

Arteta update on Rice, Odegaard

In his post-match press conference Arteta also confirmed that he took Declan Rice off because “he felt something” and he took captain Martin Odegaard off due to “tactical” reasons.

The important duo both come off with 30 minutes to go and Arsenal never really got going again as the subs failed to make an impact.