Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain says he got to show a "different aspect" of his game after coming off the bench at Newcastle on Sunday.
The England international has spent most of his fledgling Arsenal career in wide positions but he replaced Mikel Arteta in the centre of midfield after 28 minutes when the injured Spaniard was unable to continue.
"I was aware that Mikel might have struggled a bit so mentally I prepared as if I was going to start the game. That helped me"
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Arsene Wenger believes Oxlade-Chamberlain's long-term future lies in midfield and the player was glad to demonstrate his versatility and help Arsenal to a 1-0 win that clinched their Champions League place.
"I've been waiting for any sort of chance to play and I've been getting a few minutes off the bench so to be able to come on in the first half was a bit of a surprise," he told Arsenal Player.
"I was aware that Mikel might have struggled a bit so mentally I prepared as if I was going to start the game. That helped me.
"To be able to come on midfield is something I really look forward to doing and it was an opportunity for me to show the boss I was capable of playing there.
"I had to change my game and play a bit more defensive and screen [the defence] and show a different aspect to my game. I'm glad that I got an opportunity to do that today.
"The most important thing was that we didn't concede any goals and we kept it quite tidy throughout the game."
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