Cape Town – Arsenal manager Unai Emery has explained his decision to substitute goalscorer Alexandre Lacazette in the latter stages of his side's 4-1 victory over Fulham on New Year's Day.
The Gunners ran out comfortable winners in the end, but there were a few nervy moments for the hosts after Fulham pulled one back through Aboubakar Kamara in the 69th minute.
Lacazette's departure from the field of play was met with boos from a section of the home support. However, Ramsey scored just four minutes after replacing Lacazette, before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang added his name to the score sheet in the 83rd minute to put the result beyond doubt.
Emery insists the decision was purely tactical, and highlighted the need to alter their setup defensively.
"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."
Next up for the London outfit is a trip to Blackpool in the FA Cup on Saturday evening, followed by a Premier League clash with West Ham at London Stadium on January 12.
