Unai Emery Defends Mesut Ozil in Tantrum Fallout

Arsenal’s manager, Unai Emery, has come to the defence of Mesut Ozil after the skipper threw a tantrum during the club’s clash with Crystal Palace on Sunday, 28 October.

Ozil was replaced midway through the second half by Danny Welbeck while Arsenal leading by 2-1. He was seen pushing past Emery and tossing his gloves to the turf in disgust before taking a seat on the bench.

Arsenal went on to draw 2-2 with Crystal Palace, thus putting an end to the Gunners’ 11-match winning run in all competitions.

Ozil’s outburst is the latest brush-up between him and Emery, who reportedly angered the 30-year-old German earlier this season after telling him to work harder during matches.

Speaking to reporters after the match, however, Emery said that he has no issue with his players – including Ozil – reacting in disappointment at being substituted.

Emery said: “It is normal not to be happy. I like the players like [Ozil] who show character when we are not playing well, and when I substituted him at 2-1, usually every player wants to continue playing.”