Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has backed Unai Emery in his handling of Mesut Ozil because the German lacks the motivation to succeed at the club. Ozil was recalled to the starting lineup for the 5-1 thumping of Bournemouth in midweek and turned in an impressive display, scoring one and setting up another for Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
But it was just his second start since the turn of the year having fallen out of favour under Unai Emery. The German could keep his spot as Arsenal travel to Wembley to face Tottenham in the north London derby on Saturday, and Petit has praised Emery’s handling of the midfielder. “It has taken time for Ozil to show his real level on the pitch again,” Petit told Paddy Power News.
“He did well against Bournemouth and looked fresh mentally. We know his quality – the only question is about his motivation, and what I saw on Wednesday is the beginning of the answer. “Unai Emery’s management of Ozil has been good.
He’s left him at home and put him on the bench at various times, giving him a few minutes here and there before now thrusting him back into the first team. “It’s a long process and it’s necessary to concentrate not only on the player but also on the man – for weeks, Emery has been doing that.
“So, I hope Ozil will keep enjoying himself on the pitch and keep his mind fresh. If he can do that, it will be a big weapon for Arsenal until the end of the season.