Mikel Arteta explains Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes substitutions

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said that Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes were substituted against Crystal Palace with minor discomforts.

The Gunners returned to winning ways in stunning fashion with a 5-0 victory over the Eagles. They were not at their best but capitalised on the chances created on goal in either half.

Speaking after the game, Arteta was asked about the second half substitutions of Rice and Gabriel, he said:

"[Rice] He was feeling some tiredness. I don’t know exactly what muscle it was but when he says that at 3-0 obviously we don’t want to take any risks."

"The same with big Gabi as well. He had some discomfort, he had a tackle in the first half and was a bit struggling so it was the right moment to take them off."

With the victory, the Gunners have moved to third in the standings ahead of Aston Villa on goal difference. They are two points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand.