Arsenal fans were left enraged when Unai Emery decided to replace Mesut Ozil with Alex Iwobi at half-time in their Boxing Day draw with Brighton & Hove Albion.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang opened the scoring for the Gunners on seven minutes and his side controlled the game after that with 70% of the ball.
The Seagulls clawed their way back into the game via Jürgen Locadia’s strike just under half an hour later to level the scoreline.
More controversial than Emery’s side losing another lead before the break was his decision to withdraw Ozil at half-time.
The playmaker has been linked with an exit in January after appearing to fall out of favour with his new boss, despite Emery insisting, ad nauseam, that the German remains part of his plans at the Emirates.
Ozil’s withdrawal has already added more fuel to the rumours that the retired Germany international will be heading for pastures new in the future.
One can understand why fans might be enraged to see one of their best players leave the field after 45 minutes, but Emery’s use of substitutes have proven effective during his first campaign, as the Gunners have the most goals and assists from substitutes this season.
However, Ozil’s absence was felt in the second half as Emery’s players could only muster one shot on Brighton’s goal in the second 45 minutes.
Arsenal have attempted just one shot in the first 25 minutes of the second half.
Missing their creative spark? https://t.co/bPWjrPJB9I
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) December 26, 2018
Speculation over Ozil’s future in north London has grown in recent weeks when he was left out of Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to Tottenham in the Carabao Cup. But the press were served a curveball when Ozil was made captain against Burnley a few days later on December 22.
Now, Emery is mooted to be targeting Ever Banega as the Spaniard aims to plug gaps that may be left be an Ozil departure, as well as Aaron Ramsey.
The £18m-rated Sevilla midfielder has played under Emery twice already: firstly with Valencia (2008-2012) and then with Sevilla (2014-2016) where he won the Europa League.
Twitter reacts to Ozil’s substitution
Despite enjoying Emery’s ruthless streak from the bench, this particular substitution angered the Arsenal faithful. Given the result and second-half performance from the Gunners, it is a decision that – with hindsight – can be seen to have backfired.
The reaction to the change at half-time reflected that.
Loool I thought Iwobi came on because Guendouzi was hurt. Not gonna say anything.
— Oscar (@Reunewal) December 26, 2018
Had to be Ramsey for Guendouzi.
Strange sub, stupid sub.
— Woz ⚽️ (@wozthegooner) December 26, 2018
Fair to say Ozil’s chances of starting at Anfield don’t look great right now.
— gunnerblog (@gunnerblog) December 26, 2018
Özil off at half time. So talented but Emery clearly doesn't want him. He simply hasn't done enough since earning that new deal. What a shame.
— Phil Costa (@_PhilCosta) December 26, 2018
Great! Laca and Auba might as well sit down and eat some crisps. Because Iwobi's pass isn't going to find them anyway.
— Arvind (@Ineedsomesleep) December 26, 2018
Emery's dislike of Ozil and Ramsey is killing the make up of our squad.
— HP (@Hhp116) December 26, 2018
The balls of Unai Emery tho
— Anmol Kharel (@KharelAnmol) December 26, 2018
Ozil taking the fall as usual. Not surprising! Y'all better win this or there will be drama!!!!
— Chineze (Ex Mrs Walcot
Ozil's bae
Torreira
(@Amchizzy) December 26, 2018
https://twitter.com/FlairxDrip/status/1077993365755576320
The post ‘Time for Banega’ – Arsenal fans believe Emery’s confusing half-time sub confirms a January target appeared first on Squawka News.
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