Arsenal manager Unai Emery believes giving Mesut Ozil extra responsibility has led to the 30-year-old becoming a more consistent player.

The German playmaker was given the captain’s armband for the 3-1 win over Leicester City on Monday, capping his performance with a goal and an assist.

Emery says that by demanding a certain standard from Ozil, the midfielder’s performances will take care of themselves:

“The truth is the happier he is, the better he is. I’ll demand more from him because he can take the responsibility.”

“He has the capacity to help the team with his quality because he gives us a boost. We’ll keep insisting on this regularity, these demands of him, so we can all enjoy together, seeking wins and playing good games.”

The Gunners’ number 10 has now scored four goals and provided one assist in nine appearances so far this season, and despite reports of a rift with Emery earlier in the campaign, the Spaniard is giving the midfielder a central role in the team.

Ozil has started all but two of Arsenal’s Premier League games, only missing the win against West Ham with illness, and the 5-1 victory over Fulham with a back injury.

The former Germany international may, however, sit out the Europa League fixture against Sporting Lisbon tomorrow evening after starting the first two group games on the bench.