Arsenal star Mesut Ozil was left on the bench in the 2-1 victory over Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday.
Head coach Unai Emery claimed that the Gunners needed greater “physicality and intensity’ at the Vitality Stadium.
Former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell believes that Ozil will however, definitely start in the North London derby against Tottenham at the Emirates over the weekend.
Campbell also thinks that Emery’s decision to drop Ozil against Bournemouth will fire him up for the derby and that he thinks the playmaker of Turkish origin will show up.
Ozil was described as being a ‘big-game player’ by the ex Arsenal man.
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“I think it’s smart management [to drop Ozil],” Campbell told Lovesport. “We know that sometimes when it gets really physical, people accuse Mesut Ozil of not even turning up for the game.
“It’s away, it was going to be tough so he’s used his squad the best he can, he changed the system and Mesut Ozil is there on the bench if he needs him. This manager isn’t afraid to make tough decisions.
“The challenge is down right there for Mesut Ozil. I think he’ll definitely play [in the North London derby]. He’s a big-game player. Sometimes the mindset is more difficult against the smaller teams because playing against the big teams, that’s the one you’re motivated for.
“I think there’s a bit of mind games going on with the manager and I think he’s challenged Mesut Ozil, and I think Ozil will show up.”
Ozil had previously captained Arsenal for the previous few games in the league before being dropped against the Cherries.
The North London based outfit head into the derby against their bitter rivals having avoided defeat in their last 17 games.
Arsenal are currently 5th in the league table, eight points behind leaders Manchester City and three behind Spurs.
