Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has explained the reason behind his decision to drop Alexandre Lacazette and Bukayo Saka to the bench for the clash at home to Everton.
The Gunners defeated Olympiacos 1-0 in their Europa League last 32 first-leg tie on Thursday, with Lacazette scoring in the 81st minute to ensure a victory for the Londoners.
Saka also started for Arsenal as well as Lacazette but both players have been left out of the starting line-up for the Premier League encounter at the Emirates Stadium, though the former did come on in the first half for Sead Kolasinac.
Arteta discussed his reasoning behind those decisions when he was interviewed by Sky Sports ahead of the match.
"We played a game on Thursday in Greece and we had some physical issues with some of the players," Arteta told Sky Sports.
"I want to play players who are fresh and have good energy to beat Everton."
Arteta also touched on how his Arsenal side aimed to approach the game with Everton and how they could come out on top in the contest.
"We know how important our home form will be. I have been impressed with Everton. We have to have the ball as much as possible to win the game," Arteta added.
