Unai Emery on Ozil: The Arsenal manager talks about Mesut Ozil’s performance after the side registered a 3-1 victory.
Arsenal returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Sean Dyche’s Arsenal. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored a brace and returned to the top of the league’s goalscoring charts, while Alex Iwobi finished off a perfect night for the Gunners.
Mesut Ozil stood out with a brilliant return to the side as he played an incredible pass for the first goal of the game. The midfielder picked out Sead Kolasinac on the left with an amazing vision, leading to Aubameyang’s first goal of the game.
The midfielder was also named the captain of the side. Mesut Ozil’s future at Arsenal has been under speculation since Unai Emery decided to drop him from the squad for the game against Tottenham earlier this week.
Emery stated that it was a ‘tactical’ decision, and it led to Ozil being linked with major European clubs, including a return to Real Madrid.
Unai Emery interacted with the media after the game, and talked about Ozil’s performance.
Unai Emery on Ozil:
The Arsenal head coach praised Mesut Ozil for his impressive performance against Burnley. He stated that the midfielder played in the way the team needed.
“[It was a] Very good response. He played like we need today,” Emery said.
Unai Emery also insisted that Arsenal needs Mesut Ozil.
“His skills, his commitment was very good. He helped us. I said we needed Mesut Ozil,” Emery said.
Mesut Ozil has been absent from most games since the end of the international break last month. However, the midfielder gave a strong response against Burnley, and the Arsenal fans were justifiably pleased with his performance.
Kolasinac wasn’t even in the picture when Ozil made the pass.
This is the vision of Ozil. pic.twitter.com/MnC8iX9EYe— P™ (@Cechque) December 22, 2018
Talking points from today’s win against Burnley:
•Ozil is needed at this football club, best creator
•Diamond formation the way forward till we sign a wide player
•Kolasinac top quality wing back and MOTM
•Sokratis leader at the back
•Xhaka needs to play in midfield— LTArsenal™️ (@ltarsenal) December 22, 2018
It was a huge statement from Emery to give Özil the armband.
Could have given it to Xhaka instead.
He wanted to make it clear to everyone that Arsenal need a player of Ozil’s quality & he delivered today.
Proves the media were just trying to create problems with baseless rumours— P™ (@Cechque) December 22, 2018
That’s what Mesut Ozil can do, tease a ball through tight spaces. Such a gifted footballer with vision and technique. Issues with consistency, tracking back, seizing games against the elite etc, but the talent is undeniable. Emery challenging Ozil could be the making of him. #afc
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) December 22, 2018
What next?
Arsenal will return to action in the Premier League on Wednesday as they take on Brighton and Hove Albion, before travelling to Anfield to take on league leaders Liverpool.
Unai Emery stated that Koscielny and Mustafi will be available for the trip to Brighton.
