Unai Emery has shown that nobody in his squad is untouchable, If you under perform you will find yourself on the bench and Mesut Ozil found himself into one of those decisions where to the surprise of almost everyone ‘He was an unused substitute’ against Bournemouth last weekend.
But this Sunday – its a different ball game, The North London Derby. No game like another, where talent meets passion and passion divides the City of London into Reds and Whites.
Mesut Ozil has appeared to be one of Arsene Wenger’s untouchables throughout his stay in the North London. Arsene Wenger was a big fan of Mesut’s talent and ability, investing highly into him when he bought Mesut from Real Madrid for then club record fee.
Nevertheless, Mesut Ozil must start for Arsenal in the North London Derby this Sunday – its not only me thats saying but also Former Arsenal midfielder turned pundit Paul Merson.
Paul Merson thinks that Arsenal will be heavily pressed by Tottenham and it will be necessary for them to have as many passers as they can on the pitch.
“Tottenham have to play like they did last weekend [against Chelsea], or Arsenal have every chance. But if they squeeze them, they haven’t got the ball players to play around it. They should start Mesut Ozil because they need all the passers they can get.”
Mesut was not part of Arsenal’s travelling squad to Ukraine to face Vorskla in the Europa League, indicating his involvement in the Tottenham’s clash.
Mesut Ozil boasts “unbelievable ability” but Unai Emery has made it clear that nobody is beyond bench duty if they do not pull their weight.
Arsenal legend Nigel Winterburn, said of the World Cup winner ahead of North London Derby, talking to bookmakers.tv: “Ozil’s got unbelievable ability, but maybe he frustrates people because he drifts in and out of games.
“There’s no doubt that his position is number 10 behind the striker, and Emery could fit him in the system he wants to play.
“But last weekend [against Bournemouth] shows it doesn’t matter who you are, if you don’t fit the system to face the opposition, you’ll be on the bench or not in the squad.
“Anybody has got a chance of playing provided they’re in the right frame of mind and in good form. It keeps players focused and playing to the best of the ability every week.”
Winterburn added: “I think he’ll be starting, as it’s at home. We’ll probably switch to a back four and Ozil will play behind the striker, it’s a straight choice between Ozil and Ramsey.
“Particularly with Aaron’s contract situation. I look forward to seeing the team sheet, as I can’t predict Emery’s team sheet or formation.”
Prior to his omission against Bournemouth, Mesut Ozil captained Arsenal in four consecutive league matches, and it will be interesting to see whether Emery hands him the armband once again in probably the encounter ‘of the weekend’ at the Emirates this weekend.
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