There is no way back for Mesut Ozil at Arsenal after he disrespected Unai Emery by petulantly throwing down his captain’s armband after an “abject” display at Crystal Palace in October, according to the Mirror.
The newspaper cite insiders claiming the German playmaker has become an outcast under Emery due to his work rate and contribution to the team, and the tipping point was the 2-2 draw at Selhurst Park on 28 October.
The Mirror report that Ozil’s performance and reaction to being substituted that day infuriated the Spanish manager and he has failed to start Ozil in an away match since then.
OPINION
Ozil’s second-string status could not be more apparent now the issue of his recent back injury is no longer clouding what has become as clear as the reality check at the club following the end of their recent 22-match unbeaten run. Emery doesn’t trust the club’s highest-ever paid player to do the dirty work off the ball and put in the hard yards as part of the playing style he is trying to implement at Arsenal. Ozil is increasingly seen as a useful adornment to the team for home matches when they are in control and have more of the ball, particularly against weaker sides. But it is telling that the 30-year-old looked on glumly from the sidelines for Wednesday night’s north London derby defeat to Tottenham at Emirates Stadium. Where Arsene Wenger once indulged Ozil, Emery cares not a jot for reputations or pecking orders. Ozil has been given the cold shoulder, and there is no sign of the deep freeze thawing any time soon.