Stuart Pearce believes controversial Declan Rice decision will pay off big time for Arsenal
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Charlie Grace
Sat 13 September 2025 14:30, UK
Stuart Pearce was in disbelief as Declan Rice wasn’t chosen to replace Martin Odegaard who left Arsenal’s match against Nottingham Forest.
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.
Credit: Getty Images
Rice was left on the bench, replaced by Odegaard, with Mikel Merino and Martin 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?”
Credit: Imago
The decision was puzzling, but at halftime Pearce back peddled somewhat, making a huge claim about the strength of Arsenal’s bench.
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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.”
As a midfielder, there aren’t many mentors you’d rather work under than Arteta, who had a fantastic Premier League career.
With Arteta in charge, Arsenal’s midfield could be the key reason for Arsenal making a title charge this season.