Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw against Brighton On Boxing Day in the Premier League at the Amex Stadium.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang gave the visitors the lead inside the first five minutes and the Gunners dominated the first-half.
The Gunners fell victim to yet more poor defending when a mistake by right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner allowed Jurgen Locadia to level the scores for Brighton in the 35th minute.
Head coach Unai Emery decided to take off Mesut Ozil at the interval in a move that proved to be controversial.
This was followed by Alexandre Lacazette being subbed off mid-way through the second half.
The North London based side struggled to create chances in the second-half which put the spotlight on Emery.
This was the reason Emery gave for taking Ozil off at half-time.
Emery on whether Ozil change was due to Brighton equaliser: “No, it’s only tactical. Because we changed from 4-4-2 and this is only a tactical decision.”
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) 26 December 2018
We took a look at how Arsenal fans reacted to the decision on social media.
There were some Arsenal fans left confused over why the manager took off Ozil and Alexandre Lacazette despite the team needing a goal.
Unai Emery: We need to score a goal.
Unai Emery’s brain: Take off Ozil and Lacazette.
Unai Emery: Bu…
Unai Emery’s brain: Take. Them. Off.#BRIARS pic.twitter.com/DKDUgchxIr
— Daniel (@dcw127) 26 December 2018
Since Ozil went off Arsenal have had less possession, have created nothing and still look defensively fragile… I’m sure that’s all a coincidence though
— Jonny Singer (@Jonny_Singer) 26 December 2018
0 chances for us since Ozil was taken off.
— LTArsenal™️ (@ltarsenal) 26 December 2018
Lacazette, Ozil and Ramsey – 3 of our best attackers from last season are being treated very unfairly. At least with Ramsey its somewhat understandable, but Lacazette has been subbed off even when he’s playing well. Ozil being treated bordering on disrespect. Thoughts?
— LTArsenal™️ (@ltarsenal) 27 December 2018
I’m sorry I like Emery but ios tactical decisions are a joke. You bring off Ozil for that twat Iwobi, absolute joke? #arsenal #football
— Jay oconnell (@ruislipjayjay) 26 December 2018
Please note we have not had one shot on the goal this whole half but Emery took of Ozil and Lacazette. Top man for the whole show passion thing.
— Josh Benson (@joshbenson1310) 26 December 2018
Not everyone was pleased with Ozil’s first half display.
Another half of football of absolute nothing from Ozil
— Ron Manager (@LesWooden7) 26 December 2018
Love how Emery has zero time for captain average #ozil
— Spencer Morgan (@spencermorgan93) 26 December 2018
Can the we missed ozil’s creativity brigade answer me 1 question? Did the best no 10 in the world affect the game or create anything when he was on the pitch , when there was space ? NO so the manager looked at the other facet ie WORKRATE, saw that was lacking, & subbed him
— Kenny Ken (@KennyKen1972) 26 December 2018
