Stuart Pearce believes controversial Declan Rice decision will pay off big time for Arsenal
Stuart Pearce was in disbelief as Declan Rice wasn’t chosen to replace Martin Odegaard who left Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest with an injury.
Odegaard was the victim of a heavy challenge from Jurrien Timber, his Arsenal teammate, and seemed to fall awkwardly on his shoulder.
Mikel Arteta will hope the injury isn’t as bad as initially feared, with Ethan Nwaneri having replace the Norwegian.
Odegaard has already injured his shoulder this season, leaving Arsenal’s match against Leeds with an injury to the same shoulder, an injury that also caused the club captain to miss the Gunners’ match against Liverpool two weeks ago.
Arsenal were able to overcome Odegaard’s injury with two goals from Martin Zubimendi and a goal from Viktor Gyokeres securing a 3-0 win for Arteta’s side.
Martin Odegaard replacement baffles
Rice was left on the bench, replaced by Odegaard, with Mikel Merino and Zubimendi also starting the match.
Speaking on talkSPORT’s live coverage of the match, co-commentator asked Sam Matterface: “Are you surprised Declan’s not come on?”
The decision was puzzling, but at halftime Pearce back peddled somewhat, making a huge claim about the strength of Arsenal’s bench.
When discussing the bench options of both teams, Pearce said: “What has he [Ange Postecoglou] on the bench to make a real dynamic change?
“At the moment i’m not so sure, on the other hand Arsenal, you look at their bench and it is the bench of potential champions.”
Arsenal’s midfield can be the key to their title charge
As a midfielder, there aren’t many mentors you’d rather work under than Arteta, who had a fantastic Premier League career.
The Spaniard’s midfield options will certainly benefit from his expertise, with summer signing Zubimendi bringing some security to the base of their midfield.
| Martin Zubimendi 2025-26 | |
| Minutes played | 270 |
| Progressive passes | 12 |
| Passes into final third | 11 |
| Shot creating actions | 2 |
Rice has come on leaps and bounds under the tutelage of Arteta, becoming one of the best box-crashing number eights in world football.
Meanwhile, Odegaard is finally fulfilling the potential that was so well documented during the Norwegian’s time in Real Madrid’s academy.
With Arteta in charge, Arsenal’s midfield could be the key reason for Arsenal making a title charge this season.