Arteta admits it would not have been fair to play youngsters at PSV

Mikel Arteta says it would not have been right to play his younger crop of players against PSV Eindhoven.

Arsenal came away with a 1-1 draw on Matchday 6 of the Champions League group stage and the Spanish head coach fielded a stronger team than many were expecting.

He said: "I didn't think it was the right moment [for the youngsters] and I wanted to wait to see how the game developed.

"But it was too much for them and as well we have three little issues, we had to make the subs and then we had no room because we really wanted to play a game as well.

"I don’t think it was the right context, making eight changes already to throw them in there against a team that hasn’t lost here almost in two years.

"There were good moments, there were moments we lacked that cohesion and timings especially in the way we pressed against a really good side.

"When you don't get the timings right you have to defend awkward spaces and we had to do that a few times tonight which could have cost us the game."

Declan Rice was introduced in the 61st minute but did not occupy his usual role in the heart of midfield.

Instead the England international replaced William Saliba and slotted in at centre-back, earning him the praise of his manager after the match.

Arteta added: "We are very short at the back, I really wanted to try when something happens, how we are going to resolve that situation and I think it was really good.

"He's played there before and we have to try in case of an emergency. I will have to make sure that we can fill the gap in the right way.

"I'm really happy with the attitude and behaviour of every single player, how they tried and in the end we could've won it with the chance of Leo [Trossard] and the goal that was disallowed."