Mikel Arteta explains Declan Rice substitution vs Spurs

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that Declan Rice was substituted during the half-time break against Tottenham Hotspur with a back problem.

The England international was struggling with the discomfort throughout the opening half and this was the reason behind the change.

Arteta said: "He had some discomfort in his back. He was telling us during the first half he was not comfortable. Fabio was a tactical decision."

In the absence of Rice, Jorginho was called up off the bench. The Italian was responsible for Spurs' second goal with a howler in midfield.

His hesitation to pass the ball forward saw him intercepted by James Maddison, who put Son Heung-min through on goal to make it 2-2.

With the result, Arsenal have dropped to fifth in the league table with 14 points after Brighton's 3-1 comeback win vs Bournemouth.

The Gunners are now four points adrift of league leaders Manchester City, who seem favourites to win the title for the fourth straight year.