Arsenal manager Unai Emery was asked about Mesut Ozil’s omission from the matchday squad that lost 2-0 to Tottenham in the Carabao Cup last night.
The Spaniard insisted that the German was left out for nothing more than tactical reasons:
“Every player is important. One I decided didn’t play, it was only a tactical decision.”
Fans on Twitter are hoping Ozil is reinstated to the team for the game against Burnley on Saturday:
Özil needs to start the next game, also no more benching Laca or Xhaka at CB
— Mikko (@Mikkony) 20 December 2018
It is ridiculous of emery to not use a gem of a player like Ozil.
— Nizia Jamee (@Niz_1094) 20 December 2018
Mesut should play. I don’t care what Unai has against him, he should just drop it, cause Ozil is our best player.
— beji¹⁰ (@beji_10) 20 December 2018
Keep Ozil please he is the best
— Jad ~ ?? ~ ?? (@Unai_Emeryates) 20 December 2018
Start ozil and stop playing xhaka as cb ??
— Shahirah Md Nor (@shahirah_mdnor) 20 December 2018
Iwobi & Micki better option than Ozil!? How tactical it was to leave 1 of ur best players out?! Sure Emery ?
Arsenal fans criticise Ozil but fail to recognise that they lack that bit of maturity in d final 3rd when he isn’t playing. No creation or invention at all without him
— Chineze (Ex Mrs Walcot ?Ozil’s bae? Torreira ? (@Amchizzy) 20 December 2018
Drop the ego sir and play our most talented player. Talent is not manifest in speed, tactics or what your script says- this guy has his own style and it pays dearly
— kinyuachege (@kinyuachege) 20 December 2018
Others are not so sure:
Ozil is, on his day, undeniably world-class. Is he what Arsenal needs right now? Questionable. Should we be patient with Emery while he sorts out the defence? Absolutely.
— Hywel ‘Howie’ Jakeway (@howierj) 20 December 2018
Ozil has to go! Can’t afford to pay 350 grand a week for someone who doesn’t even play anymore.
— Kevin Ward (@KevW7) 20 December 2018
Burnley have become more resilient in recent games. They only lost to Spurs last time out after conceding an injury time goal to Christian Eriksen, while they also kept a clean sheet in the 1-0 win over Brighton before that.
It means creativity will be vital when facing Sean Dyche’s side, and Ozil is certainly someone who can produce chances for the Gunners if called up.
Whether Emery will recall him to the starting line up, it remains to be seen. The Arsenal boss said he was happy with the performance against Tottenham despite the result so he may go with a similar line up at the weekend.
