Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil was left on the bench by manager Unai Emery for the Gunners’ 2-1 win over Bournemouth yesterday.
After the game, the Spaniard explained why he didn’t select the German playmaker to play at the Vitality Stadium:
“We thought how we can do better in the match, a very demanding match with physicality and intensity.”
Fans on Twitter were surprised by the decision but some felt Emery made a brave call:
Give @UnaiEmery_ massive credit today. Took a risk playing a back 3, risked leaving Ozil out & kept faith in the players that played even if it wasnt a great performance. Well done lads and thank you for showing up to those negative people who don't give us the chance. #COYG #AFC
— Mike Peak (@NisenGeeza) 25 November 2018
For Ozil to start from the bench tells the strength of Emery. It wouldn't have happened if We get was the coach. #AFC #BOUARS
— Emmanuel (@Emmyebimoh) 25 November 2018
Correct decision
— Craig (@Craig70614642) 26 November 2018
I don’t see the problem we got the 3 points
— Ma Doudou (@Claudinho77100) 26 November 2018
I really dont understand. Miki was soo poor today and emery just insisted on leaving him on pitch instead of Özil? Doesnt make any sense
— Mesut27210 (@mesut27210) 25 November 2018
Because he’s a ghost most of the time and can be completely useless? Yeah thought so
— AFCAlf❄️ (@SaucyLaca) 25 November 2018
Savin him for the NDL pic.twitter.com/6QfxkKv137
— nobody (@Wacazette) 25 November 2018
That game would have been so easy with @MesutOzil1088. He is the best creative player we have got. Mkhitaryan lacks composure and is decaying very fast.
— David Kay (@kayciey254) 25 November 2018
HE. SHOULD. NOT. BE. BENCHED. AGAIN.
— Mesut27210 (@mesut27210) 25 November 2018
He’s too inconsistent for a £350000/week player. Frankly he’s not good enough to deserve that kind of wage. He’s been nonexistent since the Leicester game. https://t.co/0Joi9OhiR9
— Gaurav Singhvi (@GauravSinghvi) 26 November 2018
To combat Bournemouth’s attacking threat, Emery went for a 3-4-3 formation for the first time this campaign. It meant that there was no room for Ozil with Alex Iwobi and Henrik Mkhitaryan chosen to play either side of lone striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The tactical change seemed to work with Arsenal creating the majority of chances, although they were still vulnerable on the counter-attack, with Josh King scoring on the stroke of halftime with the two sides going in level at the break.
Despite pushing for the winning goal in the second half, Emery still didn’t look to Ozil with the 30-year-old remaining an unused substitute.
