What Unai Emery's Mesut Ozil decision hints about Arsenal future as Bukayo Saka takes spot

Mesut Ozil looks as if he’s fighting for his future under Arsenal boss Unai Emery.

Posted Monday, September 23, 2019 by Express.co.uk

Arsenal boss Unai Emery dropped Mesut Ozil against Aston

Arsenal manager Unai Emery decided to keep Mesut Ozil on the bench against Aston Villa.

The German made his first start of the season last weekend in the 2-2 draw against Watford.

Emery revealed in midweek ahead of the win at Frankfurt that he was planning on resting Ozil in his homeland.

“We are playing a lot of matches and I want to use different players, and also have some rotation in the first 11 and in the 19 players in the squad for [Frankfurt],” Emery said.

“We are going to play another match on Sunday. My decision is because he played, and I decided who the players are who can be the best for tomorrow, and also the players not, and those are Sokratis and Mesut.”

Those comments suggested that Ozil would be back in the starting line-up on Sunday at the Emirates Stadium, which isn’t the case.

Many questioned the decision to rest the midfielder anyway in the Europa League given his lack of playing time this season due to off-field issues and illness.

Ozil did not complete the full match at Vicarage Road either, after being subbed off after 71 minutes.

Keeping his place from the win in Germany is youngster Bukayo Saka, who scored and assisted in Thursday’s victory.

That was enough to convince Emery to hand him another opportunity to impress, while it leaves Ozil pondering his future.

The former Real Madrid star has played just once in the Premier League all season and being told he was on the bench against Aston Villa suggests he does not have a major role in Emery’s plans.

Saka has since paid tribute to Freddie Ljungberg, with the Arsenal coach helping him understand Emery’s instructions.

“Sometimes when I don’t understand, when the coach is trying to communicate with me, I have a better communication with Freddie sometimes, he speaks better English,” he said.

“Freddie’s information, he’s been a player at this level before, and it’s vital for me because I play in the same position as me and he’s been a big part in my progress.”