“We Win With Him, We Lose With Him” – Unai Emery Stands By Ozil Omission

Unai Emery has refused to back down from his decision to leave Ozil out of the squad…

Arsenal head coach Unai Emery refused to backtrack from his decision to leave Mesut Ozil out of the squad that travelled to West Ham after we suffered a disappointing loss.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Emery was asked to justify his decision to leave out our most creative player in a game which saw us register only two shots on target.

Looking at the bench, the only attacking options on there were Aaron Ramsey and 18-year-old striker Eddie Nketiah, with Emery deciding to take three defenders as substitutes.

The relationship between Emery and Ozil is bordering on untenable, but fans are becoming frustrating that it’s having a direct effect on our performances on the pitch.

For Emery, we had the resource necessary to win the game.

“I think we had enough players to win today and impose our gameplan,” the Spaniard said initially when asked about his squad selection.

Pressed further on the issue of Ozil, he stated:  “I decided the players I think are the best for this match.

“We win with him, we lose with him. I think it is not one player (which means) we can’t win or lose.”

The interesting talking point here is that, as fans, we’re still getting to know Emery and how he operates in different scenarios throughout a season.

After an impressive start, I do start to wonder if Emery is innately an attacking coach who wholeheartedly believes in dominating possession and keeping the opposition in their half – or if he feels that how a top club should operate.

A narrative, at least among Arsenal fans online, is beginning to fester about Emery being a defensive coach and it seems when push comes to shove, he does fall on the side of caution.

Ozil needs to play for Arsenal, especially in games such as West Ham where we’re expected to dominate the ball. Our squad isn’t good enough to leave him out.