Unai Emery has left Mesut Ozil out of his 18-man matchday squad to face Vitoria this evening.
The former Germany international has struggled for minutes this season and appears to be firmly out of favour under the Arsenal boss.
Emery has handed numerous fringe players chances to shine in the Europa League clash, with the likes of Emile Smith Rowe, Joe Willock and Gabriel Martinelli starting.
Arsenal have looked good in the competition this season, but the Spaniard’s selection for the Vitoria clash has angered plenty of Gunners fans because of Ozil’s exclusion…
Twitter: @charles_watts This is getting a joke
(@ArsenalWay)
Twitter: @charles_watts Emery is not my manager! He is becoming a disgrace (@Beau_Lond0n)
Twitter: @charles_watts Where’s Ozil?… I wonder what Ozil has done to offend Emery?…. (@SBrobbey78)
Twitter: @charles_watts Ozil rested again. He must be working seriously hard in training this season (@wongsa76)
Twitter: @charles_watts You know the fans will turn on him now over ozil . He won’t be Arsenal manager come December (@Jamiebornagain)
Read Arsenal’s verdict
The Gunners will likely ease to a comprehensive win against Vitoria; they are the clear favourites, and while their Portuguese counterparts pose a threat, there should only be one team that triumphs.
However, following a dismal showing at Sheffield United on Monday, which saw Arsenal perform without creativity or guile, Ozil’s exclusion becomes rather confusing.
It is clear that Emery does not get on particularly well with the playmaker, and his absence against Vitoria will only add yet more fuel to the fire.
