Arsenal Manager Unai Emery has defended his decision to take of striker Alexander Lacazette after the Frenchman scored against Fulham.
The Gunners ran out 4-1 winners in a game that looked easy, but wasn’t
Lacazette, who has seen himself taken off at crucial times this season was again hauled off with the team 2-1 up for Aaron Ramsey.
The decision was booed by the fans at the time it was made, but it turned out to be the right choice as Ramsey got on the scoresheet not long after taking to the field.
But Emery explained that it was a tactical move to foil the prowess of Seri.
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“I understand the supporters,” said Emery “Tactically we thought in that moment we needed to change for more balance. Above all we know Fulham midfielder Jean Michael Seri is coming on and we need a player close to him, not to let him play easily with the ball.
“Ramsey can do that and also help us in attack, and he scored. The reason is this. I need to do my work. And not maybe because every supporter can have a different opinion, tactically.”
This was a good win for Arsenal, who suffered a humbling thrashing at the hands of Liverpool a few days ago and needed a performance that showed spunk.
Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka also commended his team mates on a well deserved win, saying that it was a good way to bounce back.
“After a bad game against Liverpool, we want to show a good game and to improve,”
“Fulham have a new coach and a good team. We were a bit nervous at 2-1, but 4-1 makes us happy.
“We can learn a lot from the game against Liverpool – they are a good team this year – but we have West Ham away and then Chelsea at home which is a tough schedule.”