By Tom Finn
September 21, 2014
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger when talking to talkSPORT following Arsenals and Özil’s impressive display in their 0-3 win at Villa Park said when asked if he had considered relegating the German international to the bench after his dreadful display during the 2-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund midweek the Frenchman said:
“Not really, no. I have many offensive players and you look to find the right balance. I gave [Alexis] Sanchez a rest because he’s played many games and we have many experienced players who are top quality.”
“You have to show him the confidence is there and he showed he can respond when he was under scrutiny. It’s always a sensitive point; you don’t know how people respond to that.”
The reason Özil may have played well was because he was allowed to play in his favourite number 10 role rather than out wide something that Wenger did not miss adding: “Let’s not forget he is a world champion on the flanks. He’s been educated on the flanks but even when he plays on the flanks he has the freedom to come in the middle,” he said.
The Gunners boss then jokingly said: “I believe it’s his preferred position [no.10] but I have ten players in my team who all want to play in the middle.”
