Emery plays down negative reaction from Arsenal fans to Lacazette substitution

Unai Emery played down a negative reaction from some Arsenal supporters after his decision to replace Alexandre Lacazette in the win over Fulham was met with jeers.

The Gunners head coach has enjoyed a good relationship with the club's fanbase since replacing Arsene Wenger in the summer but, following a 5-1 defeat at Liverpool and his decision to once again replace Lacazette in a 4-1 success against Fulham, he has endured his first pessimistic response.

Lacazette had put Arsenal two goals in front following Granit Xhaka's opener but was substituted for Aaron Ramsey after Aboubakar Kamara had halved the deficit.

The decision was booed by a large number of fans, although Ramsey - who has been linked with the likes of Real Madrid, Juventus and Bayern Munich with his Arsenal career set to end when his contract expires in the summer - put the game beyond doubt with the third.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored a deflected fourth to put the gloss on a largely unconvincing display from the hosts, with Emery asked about the supporters' reaction afterwards.

"I understand the supporters," he said.

"Tactically we thought in that moment we needed to change for more balance. Above all we know (Jean Michael) Seri is coming on and need a player close to him, not to let him play easily with the ball.

"Aaron Ramsey can do that and also help us in attack and scored. The reason is this. I need to do my work. And not maybe because every supporter can have a different opinion, tactically.

"But I need to do my work, Lacazette his work and he scored also. He helped us and it was a very positive reaction."