Alex Iwobi Arsenal 2018-19Getty Images

Arsenal’s Unai Emery explains Alex Iwobi’s substitution in Wolverhampton Wanderers draw

Arsenal coach Unai Emery has backed his decision to replace Alex Iwobi as 'a tactical change' in their 1-1 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers in Sunday’s Premier League game.

Second-half substitute Henrikh Mkhitaryan earned the hosts a point to keep their unbeaten run intact after Ivan Cavaleiro's opener in the 13th minute.

Meanwhile, Iwobi earned a starting role against Nuno Espirito Santo's side at the Emirates Stadium - his ninth league appearance this season after coming off the bench to assist Alexandre Lacazette in their 1-1 draw against Liverpool last Saturday.

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However, the 22-year-old was replaced by Matteo Guendouzi before the restart of the game with the Gunners trailing by a goal.

And Emery has revealed that a switch in their style of play against a high-intensity Wolves called for the Nigerian’s replacement.

 “It was a tactical change,” Emery told club website after the match.

“We wanted to play our right and left backs deeper and win back more possession inside with Sead and Hector.

“Sometimes we did this situation well and we created chances to score. Their work was good defensively because their block was very high."

Iwobi who has contributed four assists and a goal in the Gunners' impressive unbeaten run of 16 games, will aim to help the Super Eagles secure a berth in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations when they visit South Africa on Saturday.

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