Arsenal boss Unai Emery reveals Mesut Ozil substitution vs Brighton was 'tactical decision'

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Tom Doyle26 December 2018

Unai Emery has confirmed that his decision to replace Mesut Ozil at half-time during Arsenal's 1-1 draw at Brighton was "tactical" rather than any injury concerns over the playmaker.

Ozil had been left out in the cold by Emery in recent weeks decent being Arsenal's top earner, with the head coach having concerns over how the German playmaker fits into his high pressing style of football.

The 29-year-old was left out of Arsenal's EFL Cup defeat to Tottenham due to what Emery called "tactical reasons", but the World Cup winner was restored to Emery's starting XI as captain against Burnley on 22 December.

Ozil impressed with a wonder pass to open up the Clarets for the first goal on the way to sealing a 3-1 win, and once again started on Boxing Day as the Gunners headed to the south coast to face Brighton - but was replaced at by Alex Iwobi at half-time with the scores level at 1-1.

Speaking to BBC Sport after the game, Emery said of the substitution: "It was tactical.

In Pictures | Brighton vs Arsenal | 26/12/2018

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"It's the same every match. Sometimes I change it tactically when I need something to change."

Regarding the result, Emery said: "I'm a little disappointed. I think the first half was key in the match.

"We started winning and had another two chances, and they saved from Aubameyang.

"We didn't concede (many) chances for them but they drew level. Second half we could not impose our game plan. We did not make more clear chances to win the match.

Action Images via Reuters

"It's our process, we are leaving one process with the team. We can continue in our way with this point. It would be better if we won but I think the team worked well.

"If we scored our chances in the first half we could have won. In the second half we couldn't impose our game."

Additional reporting by the Press Association.

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