Arsenal suffered a 2-0 defeat in the North London derby against Tottenham at the Emirates on Wednesday.
The Carabao Cup loss was the Gunners second in a row after a 22 match unbeaten run.
Head coach Unai Emery sparked controversy before the game after dropping Mesut Ozil despite the playmaker of Turkish origin recovering from his back injury.
Ozil was not included in the matchday squad.
This was the official reason given for not playing Ozil. Make of it what you will.
Has Mesut Özil got a future at The Emirates?
“Every player is important and one I decided didn’t play and that was tactical.”
Unai Emery reluctant to discuss Mesut Ozil’s @Arsenal future: //t.co/PU5dvxRhRU pic.twitter.com/YwthRdiTOW
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 20, 2018
We took a look at how Arsenal fans reacted to the decision on social media.
There was a mixed reaction to Emery dropping Ozil for ‘tactical reasons’. Many fans were left confused by the decision. Some saw it as a sign that the playmaker could be headed for an exit. Others that Emery is asserting himself and showing that he is in charge.
What do you make of the situation?
The Ozil situation is now one huge soap opera. Highest paid player not even on the bench for a NLD for ‘tactical reasons’ when the likes of Willock/ Nketiah are. Tough to see this a way back.
Could have been dressed up as another injury, but Emery clearly wanted this out there.
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) December 19, 2018
I’m sorry I just can’t accept this tactical reasons excuse from Emery for leaving Ozil out. Fine if we do not start him, but at least have him on the bench?
— LTArsenal™️ (@ltarsenal) December 20, 2018
Mesut Ozil has more creativity in his little finger than Iwobi and Mkhitaryan combined multiply by infinity on square. Someone tell @UnaiEmery_
— Lacazettes (@Lacazettes) December 20, 2018
#COYG unai, ozil & ramsey havin’ a spat. “The Gunners” pic.twitter.com/8G9iEdNSfK
— Arsenal Browder (@louisa_gooner) December 20, 2018
Dropping fit Ozil for Mkhitaryan and Iwobi two games in a row for ‘tactical reasons’ is a disgrace if you ask me. This needs huge esplaynation
— Lacazettes (@Lacazettes) December 19, 2018
Don’t wanna be overly presumptuous or harsh, but Emery hasn’t managed the two big stars, “egos” Ozil and Ramsey well. As he said once, “convincing is the most fundamental thing to coaching: the players have to believe in you.. in big teams, players expect coach to not to mess up” //t.co/mZ1lmWNOln
— Arsenal Column (@ArsenalColumn) December 19, 2018
The club say Ozil is out for “tactical reasons”. Incredible.
I think this is the day the idea that all is hunkydory between player and coach and that he just happens to have a bit of a bad back finally dies.
— gunnerblog (@gunnerblog) December 19, 2018
Today is the last day I allow anyone to call me a fool for thinking Ozil could help this team. No creativity on the pitch since Mkhitaryan went off. Leave Ozil out because it makes the defence better you say? Why are Spurs fans singing us off our own pitch tonight then?
— Nate Smith (@nws13) December 19, 2018
I have a theory that Ozil kicked Emery out of his Fortnite clan, so Emery dropped him. Only logical esplaynation
— Lacazettes (@Lacazettes) December 19, 2018
Ozil did turn up to support the team with some pretty famous company.
Like I said before, horse riding with my kids and watching the North London Derby. I was invited by David Beckham and Mesut Ozil to watch Arsenal against Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium. Great company. pic.twitter.com/AW0q7m8tmo
— HRH Crown Prince of Johor (@HRHJohorII) December 19, 2018
Do you see a future for Ozil at Arsenal?
Emery had four opportunities to back Mesut Ozil in that press conference, didn’t take any of them.
Really tough situation brewing at Arsenal now. If they want to get Ozil out, it will be very, very difficult.
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) December 19, 2018