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Arsenal news: Emery has key issue he must resolve, Chelsea game proved it - Shearer
ARSENAL boss Unai Emery must work out how to get the most out of Mesut Ozil, Alan Shearer claims.
Arsenal manager Unai Emery reflects on loss to Chelsea
The Germany international has failed to impress under Emery this season.
The playmaker, who struggled against Manchester City on the opening weekend, was subbed off in the 68th minute of Arsenal’s 3-2 defeat at Chelsea on Saturday.
Ozil, 29, has had a rough few months, with the former Real Madrid star retiring from international football citing racism and disrespect as the reasons behind his decision.
And Premier League hero Shearer has hit out at Ozil, claiming Emery needs to get more out of the German if Arsenal want to get anywhere near the top four.
Arsenal were carrying him. He was a passenger in the game
“Emery is going to have a big issue trying to get the best out of Mesut Ozil,” Shearer told The Sun.
“It was a brave decision hauling him off after 68 minutes but he was absolutely right to do so because Ozil was doing nothing.
“Arsenal were carrying him. He was a passenger in the game.
“Before the season started, Emery was lavishing praise on Ozil, which I suspect was to try and get the best out of him.
“But he has barely kicked the ball in Arsenal’s first two games.
“At the minute, the Gunners look a million miles away from launching a challenge for the Premier League.
“And with their current team, I would very much doubt that they will even get into the top four.
“They are already six points behind their rivals and, at this early stage, that is worrying.
“Emery has a massive job on his hands. There is so much work to do.”
Speaking after Arsenal’s defeat at Chelsea, Emery revealed he’s happy with Ozil, despite subbing the playmaker midway through the second half.
“We need him to help with his quality,” he said.
“And also I want to push him to be competitive every match.
“I'm happy with him because he worked.
“I decided to change because, in the middle, we needed a bit more to push and not let Chelsea progress easily with the ball. We were defending very deep.
“But I'm happy with Mesut. We are going to do with him the same work and helping him, demanding work every day.
“But, at the moment, he is doing that and I'm happy. In the process, I'm sure he is going to do a good game.”