Arsenal lost further ground in the Premier League title race this weekend as Mikel Arteta's side were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Everton.
The Gunners failed to penetrate the Toffees' resilient defense at the Emirates Stadium as the visitors missed a chance to add to the pressure on leaders Liverpool, who drew 2-2 at home to Fulham.
Arsenal remain third in the EPL table, six points behind Arne Slott after 16 games.
Arteta's men managed five shots on goal - plus a 1.42 xG - but failed to hit a home run for the first time all season.
Despite his players organizing to try to force a late winner, Arteta opted for a double substitution in the 62nd minute, replacing midfield duo Declan Rice and captain Martin Odegaard.
Odegaard missed several chances in the first half - while still waiting for his first home goal of the season - and Arteta confirmed he had withdrawn his captain to give the team a new dimension.
"With Declan I had to take him off because he felt something, with Martin it was a tactical decision, to try and change the tempo, especially on that side," according to Sky Sports.
"If Ethan [Nwaneri] comes on and scores a goal, is he a great substitute? If he doesn't, you have your captain off. That's football."
Arteta admitted Odegaard had expressed disappointment at the decision, but the Spanish boss dismissed it as an issue with the Gunners aiming for a strong 2024 finish.
Arsenal's next game is a home match against Crystal Palace. On December 18, they host the Eagles in the EFL Cup quarter-finals, before travelling to Selhurst Park for a Championship match three days later.
Ipswich Town at home in their final game of the calendar year on December 21.
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