Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger has explained why he started Alex Iwobi and named Alexis Sanchez on the bench in his side's goalless draw with Chelsea in the semifinal of the League Cup on Wednesday night.

It was thought the Nigeria international would not even make the match day squad after he trended for all the wrong reasons on Tuesday, while Sanchez was tipped to be named to the starting eleven as he was rested against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup on Sunday.

''No, not really. It is one thing to punish someone individually (Iwobi),'' Wenger told reporters post-match.

''(Was Sanchez anything to do with Man City?) No. I do not have to justify every decision, I have managed over 1000 games. I want him (Sanchez) to stay for longer. He is an important player for us.''

Iwobi, 21, made his 19th appearance in all competitions this term against Chelsea, he is still searching for his first goal since October 2017.

The Gunners face their London neighbors in the return leg in two weeks time at the Emirates Stadium.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com