Ian Wright Explains What Makes Emery So ‘Very, Very Good’ For Arsenal

Ian Wright Explains What Makes Emery So ‘Very, Very Good’ For Arsenal

Arsenal legend Ian Wright is backing Unai Emery’s decision to drop Mesut Ozil against Bournemouth at the weekend.

The former striker believes it shows that the Gunners’ boss is willing to take risks in his player selection in the best interests of the team:


“He makes decisions because they are best for the team He’s not afraid to say ‘you know something, I don’t think I’m getting enough out of you’ and against a Bournemouth side he’s got the nerve to drop him. It’s up to Ozil to kick on He [Emery] is very, very good for Arsenal.”

Ozil was an unused substitute on Sunday with Emery suggesting after the game that the German was ill-suited to the physicality and intensity he needed to play against the Cherries.

The 30-year-old had been named as captain for Arsenal’s last four Premier League games and had been selected in the starting line up for all ten of the previous league games where he’d been available.

Still, Emery’s decision to leave him out against Bournemouth has led to many speculating about his relationship with Ozil, although as Wright says, the manager is very much picking players based on tactical considerations rather than personal reputation.

The Spaniard switched to a 3-4-3 formation at the Vitality Stadium, leaving little room for a playmaker like Ozil.

David Tully

David Tully

David has worked as a football reporter for the last fifteen years. Having started as an intern at Snack Media, he then went on to become a freelancer, working on various different sites. At the start of 2023, he took up his current role as content writer for National World's Football News Network.