Emery Demands More From Mesut Ozil Ahead Of Arsenal’s Trip To Chelsea

Unai Emery says he wants more from playmaker Mesut Ozil as Arsenal prepare to take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this evening, according to the Mirror.

Ozil was once again singled out for criticism following Arsenal’s disappointing 2-0 defeat to Manchester City at the Emirates on the opening weekend of the new season.

The German superstar – who recently made the controversial decision to retire from international football – has often been accused of not turning up in big games since joining the Gunners from Real Madrid in 2013.

The 29-year-old has struggled to find his best form in recent months with the attacker providing zero goals and just three assists since signing a new bumper contract back in January.

Ozil has been a traditional No.10 for most of his career but Emery deployed him in a deeper role against City and the new Arsenal boss has demanded more from his star man.

The Spanish coach says Ozil, like all his players, needs to track back and do his bit to help defend when the team doesn’t have the ball and has also called on the German ace to be more demanding and decisive in attack.

When asked if Ozil needs to defend more, Emery is quoted by the Mirror as saying:

“Every player needs to do [that] in the true moment of a match. There are defensive moments and attacking moments. Every player each needs this commitment.

“For me, we need to start together, whether we are attacking or defending. I want that from every player. The positioning, he [Ozil] is playing all his career like a 10, like a right winger going inside to receive the ball.

“It’s clear he needs the ball more to give more options in attack. He needs to do in each match, be demanding for us. Defensive moments are for each and every player. Don’t change Mesut Ozil in his positioning.”

Ozil has shown on occasion he can ‘do the dirty work’ but he just needs to do it consistently, especially in the big games when Arsenal have less of the ball and need to defend more.

The former Madrid star will be hoping to put-in a much improved display against Chelsea as Arsenal head to Stamford Bridge this evening looking to avoid back-to-back defeats.

Bet on the Premier League with Bet9Ja and get upto 100% of your initial deposit back as a welcome bonus. Start now – winners don’t wait!