Mikel Arteta speaks out on why Mesut Ozil didn’t play against Manchester City

The Premier League came back yesterday and Arsenal’s first game was against Manchester City and the gooners started getting scared when the lineups got announced as it confirmed that Mesut Ozil would be not be in the starting eleven. Mikel Arteta has finally revealed the reason he decided not to include Mesut Ozil in the matchday squad.

Mesut Ozil started in all the Premier League games played so far under Mikel Arteta until yesterday and so this is why all the Arsenal fans were surprised that the central attacking midfielder was not in the starting eleven or even on the bench when all clubs were given nine substitute spots to fill. Mesut Ozil used to be left out of the matchday squad by Unai Emery many times and it now seems like it could happen under Mikel Arteta as well.

Arsenal lost 3-0 against Manchester City without Mesut Ozil and Mikel Arteta was asked why he made the decision to leave the German international at home in their trip to Manchester. Arteta gave a rather familiar answer that will bring back memories.

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal embraces Mesut Ozil of Arsenal as he is substituted off during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal FC at Vitality Stadium on December 26, 2019 in Bournemouth, United Kingdom. (Photo by Harriet Lander/Copa/Getty Images)

“It was a tactical reason. I needed players in other positions as well and that’s why I decided to leave him out.” Mikel Arteta told Arsenal’s official website.

Mikel Arteta seemed to be a big fan of Ozil in his first three months at the club and the Arsenal fans have begun theorizing on what might have happened during the break, most believe that the 31 year old might have attitude issues which is something that the Arsenal boss has said will not tolerate at the club anymore. As for Ozil not being in the squad against Manchester City, Arteta says that the player simply wasn’t needed in the squad as his tactical approach at the Etihad Stadium wouldn’t have suit the German.