After scoring in our 1-0 win over Newcastle, Laurent Koscielny spoke about being rested against Bournemouth in our previous match and acknowledged how important it was.

Despite having roughly 101 injuries at the moment, it’s still important for the boss to rest players if they enter that dreaded ‘red zone’ and against Bournemouth, he chose to rest Kos.

The defender is one of the first names on our team sheet and before the match against the Cherries, he’d made 22 appearances. As our best centre-backs and one of the most consistent players in the squad, it was therefore a good idea to give him a rest in order to prevent injury.

“During the Christmas period, when you play three games in a week, it’s very difficult for our physique,” Kos said.

“We have a good squad and we were able to rotate against Bournemouth, so all the players who played were fresh and able to do their jobs well.”

The Frenchman has suffered through a few injuries and giving his muscles a chance to rest is a good idea. It’s also important that he understands this. As much as I’m sure he would have wanted to play, acknowledging that it’s for his benefit, as well as the team’s, and that he takes a breather shows his maturity.

Hopefully Alexis also realises how necessary rest is in future.