Unai Emery claimed others ‘deserved’ a spot in the starting lineup after victory over Standard Liege.
Mesut Ozil is not doing enough to gain a spot in the starting eleven, reveals Arsenal boss Unai Emery.
The German has barely played part this season making just two on-field appearances in all competitions. The playmaker started in the 2-2 draw against Watford and 5-0 thumping of Nottingham Forest in the league cup.
The 30-year-old is currently on the fringes as he failed to make the team sheet for the sixth time this campaign. The fans are obviously frustrated over Unai’s treatment on Ozil, who doesn’t have a chance to impress him during games.
Without his presence, the Gunners streamed past Standard Liege in the Europa League at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday. Goals from Martinelli, Dani Ceballos, and Joe Willock completedly a comprehensive victory over the Belgium outfit.
When Emery was questioned about Mesut Ozil’s absence, the Spaniard divulged that others are working hard in the training to secure a spot in the starting eleven.
He said: “I am thinking every time to decide the best players for each match and the best players in the squad to play and to help us.
“When I decided he shouldn’t be in the squad it’s because I think other players deserved it more.
“He needs to continue working. Tomorrow we have training with the players who didn’t play, and on Sunday we have another match, and we are going to decide the same.
“Our target is to win on Sunday against Bournemouth, and we want to carry on our same way in each match.”
On a positive night for the Gunners, Rob Holding, Kieran Tierney and Hector Bellerin – who captained the side – all came through 90 minutes as they continued their comebacks from injury.
Martinelli followed up this game with a double following a brace against Nottingham Forest last month.
“I saw him in pre-season and he was working and in each training showing us his hunger,” added Emery.
“In pre-season he was perfect all the time with us in training, and I spoke to him to be calm because when he arrived with an opportunity to play like tonight, if he continues with this hunger then I think he will do well. Tonight he confirmed that.
“The first thing in his mind is to help us and receive some minutes with us in the team. Tonight I think his performance and attitude was amazing.”
