Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger denied introducing Alexis Sanchez off the bench against Sutton United was a risk.
The Frenchman made the seemingly strange decision to bring on the Chile international in the 74th minute, with his side leading 2-0 in the FA Cup.
Wenger's side closed out their two-goal victory on Monday to set up a quarter-final clash with Lincoln City.
The 67-year-old later said he was always confident Sanchez could deal with game time off the bench.
"He is a guy who has a strong body," he said.
"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."
Arsenal are next in action with a clash against Liverpool on March 4 before they look to overturn a four-goal deficit at home to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
‘Maybe I’ll be signed by Wrexham, who knows? English football would suit me – if an offer came, I wouldn’t think twice, I’d go immediately’ Euro 2024 cult hero reveals his UK dream
‘Managing Leeds? It was an option that appeared, but it wasn’t the right timing. I decided it wasn’t a good idea to leave the club I was at mid-season’: Premier League boss admits to turning down opportunity to replace Jesse Marsch in 2023
