‘I wasn’t happy’: Mikel Arteta explains Odegaard and Partey decision in Arsenal loss

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Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has explained his thought process behind bringing both Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey on at the same time against Olympiakos.

The Gunners boss wasted little time in the second half making changes, responding almost immediately to the Greek side going ahead.

Both Partey and Odegaard entered the fray at the same time, replacing Dani Ceballos and Mo Elneny. The move helped Arsenal get some control of the game and ultimately, go through.

And speaking to Arsenal’s official website last night, Arteta admitted he wasn’t happy, hence his quick decision.

“We needed more control. We needed to put some passes together. You can’t always play football trying to attack in two or three touches, that led to a lot of balls lost and when the forwards are running and the backline are squeezing, there’s a lot of transition moments,” Arteta said.

“I wasn’t happy at all with that and we needed more stability and, after the substitutions, we were better.”

Both Partey and Odegaard have cemented themselves as key men for the Gunners in recent weeks. Partey seems to over his injury worries for now, while the Norwegian Odegaard is stepping up to the plate it seems.

TBR View: Odegaard and Partey show their class

Sometimes you just need a few of your best players on the pitch to make a difference and that’s certainly what Mikel Arteta got last night.

Both Partey and Odegaard helped bring the game back under the control of the Gunners. And while there was no breakthrough to ensure a nervy finish, both made a difference.

Expect the pair to be back in the first XI this weekend.