Mikel Arteta explains 'tough' Martin Zubimendi substitution during Arsenal win | OneFootball

Spanish midfielder was replaced in the second half despite being a first-half introduction at the London Stadium

Mikel Arteta explained his "tough" decision to bring Martin Zubimendi off in Arsenal's win over West Ham, having substituted him on before half-time.

The Gunners beat West Ham 1-0 to remain in control of the Premier League title race.

Arsenal lead Manchester City by five points, though they have played a game more. Wins over Burnley and Crystal Palace will secure the title for Arteta.

It was far from comfortable at the London Stadium and Arteta's changed had a chaotic feel throughout the match.

He brought on Zubimendi to replace the injured Ben White midway through the half-time, shifting Declan Rice out to half-time.

Arsenal struggled after that change and at Cristhian Mosquera then came on at the break. Arteta confirmed after the match that was due to injury.

Zubimendi was one of those replaced and it meant the Spaniard was hauled off not even 40 minutes after coming on.

Hauled off: Martin Zubimendi

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He had struggled to match the physicality of West Ham and had some loose moments in possession, including one pass straight out of play when Eberechi Eze was away on the counter.

"There are two actions defensively that we suffered a little bit - I don't think it's because of his positioning," Arteta said.

"But I think we had to. As well with the game we expected, bringing Mosquera on was going to unlock something that we really believed he can give us the fluidity and the chance to help them.

"But sometimes you have to make another change. The one on Zubi was tough but I really felt that we had to put two attacking midfielders in that moment to generate all the kind of issues and threat.