Why Emery and Özil Need to Work It Out

When Mesut Özil was dropped for an away match against Bournemouth, Unai Emery was quoted as saying the match was “too demanding” for the mercurial playmaker. Even back then, many fans figured Özil was just being rested for the all-important home match against bitter rivals Tottenham. However, the German was dropped for that match as well. The North London Derby has always been of the most important matches of the season for both sides involved, and Arsenal’s best playmaker didn’t even make the matchday squad. What was the explanation this time? Apparently “back spasms” that he picked up during training, but many Arsenal fans had their doubts; many had the suspicion that Özil had fallen out with Emery. On Wednesday night, in a Carabao Cup tie against Tottenham, Özil once again found himself outside of the matchday squad. This time, Unai Emery said Özil was dropped because of “tactical reasons," and this time, Arsenal lost 0-2.

Now, Arsenal fans are demanding a clear and better explanation. Mesut Özil seemed to be hitting a wonderful patch of form, including a goal and a stunning assist in a 3-1 victory over Leicester. But perhaps in the mind of the manager, that wasn’t enough. The explanations have been murky, first when he was dropped against West Ham because of an illness. It hasn't been the only time Özil has missed a game because of an alleged sickness. Now, we’ve been told the away trip to Bournemouth was “too demanding” and he didn’t fit the cup tie against Tottenham because of “tactical reasons." What could that possibly mean? While he isn't the same player he once was, when he's on it, Özil l is one of the best playmakers in the world, and sometimes, his mercurial talent has led many to believe that he is lazy; if he's so talented, why isn't he one of the best players in Europe anymore?

He's been accused of lacking effort defensively, but it’s interesting to note that neither his teammates nor did Arsène Wenger have ever expressed an issue with his defensive contribution. In fact, in many games, he has demonstrated that he can get “stuck in,” so to speak, and he’s never been one to complain to the English media over tactics or differences with managers.

Taking into account Özil’s chance creation, his vision, and his link-up play with Lacazette and Aubameyang, one has to wonder why Emery seemingly doesn't trust the German playmaker.  For years, Arsenal had an inconsistent frontline that would waste the chances Özil created, an attack that disappeared into thin air during the 2013-2014 title race as well as other key games. However, with two consistent strikers, it would be a shame to suddenly cast off Özil. Therein lies the problem however: in February, Özil signed a new contract that would see him earn £350,000 a week, making him the second-highest paid player in the Premier League. However, that was then, with Wenger as manager and Ivan Gazidis as Chief Executive. Today, Emery is the head coach, the leader of Arsenal's rebuilding project, whilst Raul Sanllehi is the new director of football. In short, Özil has to prove to a new leadership that he deserves his contract. Will he even get the chance?