Mesut Ozil starts Wolves v Arsenal: Emery names playmaker in starting XI for only second Premier League game this season
Arsenal manager Unai Emery has named Mesut Ozil in a Premier League starting lineup for only the second time this season.
The 31-year-old German playmaker takes up a place from the get-go against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon.
Ozil’s return: Five key things to know…
- Mesut Ozil missed Arsenal’s opening three Premier League games before being an unused substitute in their 2-2 draw with Spurs.
- He’d start in the following 2-2 draw away to Watford before never featuring in the league that is until today.
- During that period of unavailability, Ozil sat on the bench in the Gunners 3-2 win over Aston Villa, but missed out altogether in their next four games.
- Ozil played 65 minutes in Arsenal’s recent League Cup loss away to Liverpool on Wednesday.
- Speculation continues to mount regarding his long-term future with his current deal expiring next summer.
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Ozil, who sat out the Gunners last four league outings, played 65 minutes in their League Cup loss to Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday.
His lack of playing time, just three appearances in all competitions before today, accelerated speculation regarding his long-term future at the 13-time English champions.
Ozil’s present deal in north London expires next summer and he’s currently their longest-serving player having joined from Real Madrid for a then club record fee six years ago.
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Since the appointment of Emery, who succeeded legendary boss Arsene Wenger last season, Ozil has no longer been guaranteed a regular starting berth with the Spainard alluding to his lack of working hard off the ball as a reason for demoting him.
He now finds himself back in a league starting lineup as Arsenal look to return to winning ways having snatched a draw from the jaws of victory last time out against Crystal Palace.
