Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has insisted he did not take a risk by bringing Alexis Sanchez off the bench toward the end of Monday's 2-0 win at Sutton United in the FA Cup.
Sanchez came on for the last 15 minutes at Gander Green Lane despite Arsenal already being two goals up and playing on an artificial pitch that may have increased the likelihood of an injury.
However, Wenger said: "He is a guy who has a strong body. I think on this pitch it is the guy who does not have good co-ordination, who is heavy on his feet, who is in trouble.
"Alexis is more a guy who has very good co-ordination, he is light on his feet. I don't think it was a risk."
Wenger opted not to play Danny Welbeck in the game, however, while captain Per Mertesacker was on the bench but did not come on. Both players have recently returned from serious knee injuries, and Welbeck played for Arsenal's under-23s on Sunday instead of being risked on the artificial turf.
Mertesacker has yet to make an appearance this season.
Lucas Perez started up front in Sanchez's place and scored Arsenal's first goal, and Wenger admitted that the Spanish striker keeps staking a claim to more playing time.
Perez has only started nine games for Arsenal so far but has still racked up seven goals and five assists. His agent told ESPN FC on Monday that Perez is unhappy with his lack of playing time but still "wants to succeed" at the club.
Wenger said: "Yes, he is pushing on the door but I have many strikers. I have [Olivier] Giroud, Welbeck, [Theo] Walcott, Alexis and Lucas.
"It is true that he deserves a go because he scores goals and is a good player."