Arsenal News: Emery reveals reason behind not starting Ozil against Chelsea

What's the story?

Arsenal boss Unai Emery has spoken up about why Mesut Ozil was not given any playing time in the London derby last Saturday, despite being fully fit.

In case you didn't know...

Arsenal hosted the London derby against Chelsea on Saturday in a game that saw the Gunners record a thumping 2-0 win over their West London rivals.

An early Alexandre Lacazette opener, as well as a shoulder goal from recently-fit Laurent Koscielny, helped the North London side to a crucial win over the Blues.

For the fifth consecutive time, German midfielder Mesut Ozil was not in the starting line-up, and remained unused on the substitutes' bench.

The exclusion of Ozil from the team has led many to believe that there is a rift between the playmaker and his manager, with many publications even reporting links with varied clubs in recent weeks.

The heart of the matter

Despite all the speculation, Emery maintains that Ozil is a part of his plans for Arsenal and has revealed why he did not start the German against Chelsea.

The Gunners boss justified the snub saying (via Goal), "He was on Saturday okay to play, but we decided not play [him]."

"I spoke with him also and I want to him be ready for the match today, for the next matches like all the players in the team."

"Against Chelsea, I have the confidence in him if he played, I think he could do like we want and the next matches we are going to need every player and also his quality."

What's next?

Arsenal's win over Chelsea is crucial in their race for a top four finish. The club currently sits at fifth place, having reduced their gap with Chelsea to three points.

The Gunners will next face Manchester United in the FA Cup this Friday.