Mikel Arteta has confirmed he subbed off Willian at half-time during Arsenal’s draw with Leeds United because of an injury concern.
Asked why Willian made way at the interval, Gunners boss Arteta said: ‘He was feeling something muscular and we had to take him off.’
Shortly after the second half began, Manchester United and England legend Gary Neville – commentating on the match for Sky Sports – said: ‘Well Willian was down below us in the first half, he didn’t look himself.
‘I mean, they put a lot of pressure on going forwards Leeds and make you do a lot of running and he just looked a little bit short today the Brazilian.’
Asked whether his subdued performance could be a result of travel weariness, Neville added: ‘Yeah I think so.
‘Didn’t see any injury before half-time. Maybe it’s just about some fresh legs with Reece Nelson’s introduction.’
More to follow…
