Thomas Tuchel explains ruthless Billy Gilmour decision during Arsenal defeat

Thomas Tuchel has explained why he decided to substitute Billy Gilmour at half-time during Chelsea's defeat by Arsenal.

Despite a brilliant 90-minute showing in the Blues' 2-1 victory at Manchester City on Saturday, the central midfielder was hooked after 45 minutes as the Gunners battled to a 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

Chelsea found themselves chasing the game after Emile Smith Rowe capitalised on Jorginho's error to put the visitors ahead in the 16th minute.

And Tuchel insists the decision to throw on winger Callum Hudson-Odoi at half-time was to provide his side with more "offensive power" - and not because Gilmour was playing badly.

"Well, that was an absolutely okay performance," said the Blues boss of the 19-year-old's display.

"We saw they defended so deep, so we wanted to have Mason (Mount) who has a better shot from 20 metres to maybe be more dangerous from distance and have an offensive player like Mason there.

"It wasn’t because Billy was bad that we took him off. It was a tactical change where we tried to put more offensive power."

Tuchel was keen to throw on another attacker in an attempt to break Arsenal's stubborn resistance (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

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Chelsea were unable to find an equaliser despite Tuchel's half-time change as Arsenal clung on to emerge from west London with all three points.

The German also confirmed he will talk to Gilmour about his future at the end of the campaign, by which time he will have two years remaining on his contract.

Tuchel added: "For Billy’s situation, we will talk after the season. Right now he is here and is doing his job.

"It’s clear it’s very hard for him because we lacked today N’Golo and Mateo Kovacic in midfield and they are huge for us.

"It’s not fair to this all on his shoulders but he did a fantastic match at [Man City] and an absolutely okay match today. He was certainly not the problem."

Gilmour has made 11 first-team appearances this season and is pushing for a spot in Scotland's squad for this summer's Euros.

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