Mikel Arteta has just made a ruthless statement at Arsenal

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Mikel Arteta’s ruthlessness as the Arsenal manager has never been doubted.

After taking charge of the Gunners, which was his first-ever job as a manager, the Spaniard made it clear to everyone that he would not accept a drop in standards.

Mesut Ozil was the first superstar who got axed by Arteta for not falling in line, and Matteo Guendouzi suffered the same fate. Even Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who was the club captain and the man who won Arteta the FA Cup, was not spared.

Arsenal are in a fantastic position right now for those reasons, and the Gunners boss has finally shown some ruthlessness with his team selection as well.

Mikel Arteta’s ruthless Martin Odegaard decision sends one clear message to Arsenal players

Martin Odegaard is Arsenal’s captain and one of their most important players.

The Norway international has always been one of the first names on the team sheet under Mikel Arteta, but his recent form has been a real concern.

Arteta stuck by him despite all the criticism, but for the game against Leeds United, the Arsenal manager dropped his skipper.

Kai Havertz, who hadn’t started a Premier League game in almost a year, was preferred instead, which was a bold decision.

That must have sent a clear message to the Arsenal squad that nobody’s place in the side is safe – not even the captain’s – if the performances are not good enough.

Odegaard seems to have received that message, as after he came on as a substitute in the second half, he looked a lot better and even picked up an assist.

That must raise the level of all the other players as well, which is exactly what Arsenal need as they get closer to the business end of the season.

READ MORE: Norwegian media are ‘worried’ about Martin Odegaard at Arsenal for clear reason

Agree or disagree: Martin Odegaard should NOT be deemed untouchable in next summer’s transfer window…

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Mikel Arteta has been ruthless with another Arsenal player this season

The decision to bench Odegaard is arguably the biggest call of the season from Arteta, but he has made another big move as well.

That was with Eberechi Eze.

The England international has fallen down the pecking order recently and even spent a spell of four consecutive Premier League games as an unused substitute.

In fact, he hasn’t started a league game since the win over Wolves in December.

Now, with Havertz hitting the ground running and Odegaard getting an assist after being benched, Eze has a mountain to climb to become a regular starter again.

Nobody would’ve expected that when Arsenal spent over £67 million to sign him in the summer.