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Unai Emery explains why he is ‘very happy’ with Mesut Ozil


Mesut Ozil starred in Monday’s 2-0 win over Newcastle (Picture: Getty)

Unai Emery insists he has been delighted by Mesut Ozil’s recent return to form.

The former Real Madrid playmaker has struggled to win over Arsene Wenger’s successor and was left out of high-profile matches earlier in the season for tactical reasons.

Emery was also said to be frustrated with the 30-year-old’s lack of application in training and regular bouts of illness.

Ozil has, however, started four matches in succession ahead of Sunday’s testing trip to Everton and won the man-of-the-match award following a classy display in the 2-0 win over Newcastle on Monday which temporarily lifted the Gunners up to third place.

Asked if he was happier with Ozil’s recent displays, Emery said: ‘Yes. Yes. He is working very well and playing well. He is helping us. I am very happy with him.

‘Now in the team we have a good atmosphere, good spirit. Each player is helping us with his quality and good behaviour. This is the spirit I want;.

‘They are doing that and Mesut is also.’

Arsenal surpassed last season’s points tally with seven games to spare following the win over Rafael Benitez’s side and are now firmly in the mix for a top four finish.

Mesut Ozil has started Arsenal’s last four matches in all competitions (Picture: Getty)

On his expectations for the rest of the season, Emery added: ‘I am very realistic. We are in a good moment, it depends on the match on Sunday and the three points. Each match is important for that.

‘If we win we are third, if we don’t win we can lose our position. But football is each moment about enjoyment, preparation, working, playing.

‘It depends if we are efficient on the pitch. If we are competitive for 90 minutes we can achieve these three points. It’s a long way. We need to be positive but also realistic.

‘Realistic is: Sunday is a very big challenge and a big opportunity. We are going to continue in our way, Sunday is the first. The players are very focused on this match and our moment.’





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