Unai Emery explains decision to replace Mesut Ozil at half-time vs Brighton

Arsenal manager Unai Emery says his decision to replace Mesut Ozil at halftime was tactical. 

The Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw Brighton & Hove Albion after taking an early lead at Falmer Stadium on Boxing Day, but the Seagulls were able to equalise before the break.

Is Mesut Ozil’s Arsenal future uncertain? Five key things to know…

1. Ozil has started 12 out of 19 Premier League games this season, being subbed off in five of those appearances.
2. Arsenal manager Unai Emery has insisted the German has a future at the club.
3. Turkish Super Lig leaders Istanbul Basaksehir have expressed their desire to sign Ozil should they have the opportunity.
4. Arsenal’s No.10 has created more chances (23) than any other teammate in the Premier League.
5. His withdrawal after 45 minutes against Brighton was the first time he has been replaced at half-time at Arsenal.

Emery was lambasted by Arsenal fans on social media when his side took to the field after the break without their playmaker in chief Mesut Ozil, who had been replaced by Alex Iwobi.

Reports of a rift opening up between the pair have circulated ever since Emery arrived at the Emirates in the summer, and his decision on the south coast has added more fuel to that rumour mill. However, the Arsenal boss insists his decision was a tactical one.

“It was tactical. It’s the same every match. Sometimes I change it tactically when I need something to change,” Emery said in an interview with the BBC.

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.”

Emery’s use of substitutes have proven effective during his first campaign, as the Gunners have the most goals and assists from substitutes this season.

However, Ozil’s absence was felt in the second half as Emery’s players could only muster one shot on Brighton’s goal in the second half.

“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,” Emery added.

“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.