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Premier League | Gameweek 22
Jan 12, 2019 at 12.30pm UK
 
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Rice (48')
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I picked the players who deserved to play – Emery defends Ozil omission

:Headline: I picked the players who deserved to play – Emery defends Ozil omission: ID:346643: from db_amp
The German was left out of the Arsenal squad for Saturday's defeat at West Ham, despite being fit.

Unai Emery suggested Mesut Ozil did not deserve a place in Arsenal's squad as he sat out Saturday's Premier League defeat at West Ham.

The Gunners' highest-paid player has returned to full training over the last week following a knee problem, but was left out of Emery's travelling party completely as Declan Rice's first senior goal sealed a 1-0 victory for West Ham at the London Stadium.

Ozil has missed a number of games this season, with differing reasons given for his absence. A 2-1 win at Bournemouth in November was the only time Emery conceded the former Germany international was left out for tactical reasons.

There was no place in the Arsenal squad for Mesut Ozil (Adam Davy/PA).

The Arsenal head coach stuck with the side which beat Fulham in their last Premier League outing, but the visitors were poor as they failed to find the back of the net in a league game for the first time since the opening weekend of the campaign.

But when pushed over why he opted to leave Ozil at home for the short trip to east London, Emery claimed all of those players who did make the trip deserved to be there.

"I decided the idea of the players that I think are the best for this match," he said.

The 29-year-old's brother and agent claimed earlier in the week that Arnautovic wants to leave for the Chinese Super League and implored the club not to stand in his way.

Arnautovic was included in West Ham's side and was given a positive response by the home fans, although he waved to all corners of the stadium as he was substituted for Andy Carroll in the second half.

"We will see what happens in the next few days and I hope he will take the best decision," Pellegrini said when asked if the former Stoke man had been waving goodbye.

Marko Arnautovic salutes the crowd as he is substituted against Arsenal (Yui Mok/PA).

"I have been in this position a lot of time in my 30 years, but I'm calm with nothing 100 per cent sure (regarding Arnautovic's future)."

Although Ozil and Arnautovic were talking points, match-winner Rice was singled out for praise by Pellegrini.

The 19-year-old celebrates his birthday on Monday and has recently signed a new contract with West Ham.

He is yet to decide whether to represent England or the Republic of Ireland at international level, but Pellegrini is sure that whichever nation he opts to play for will benefit.

"I am sure Declan will be a top player," he added.

"He is improving in every game he plays, he is now more used to giving us a good build-up in front.

"I'm sure that we are seeing a top player soon and we will see not only for West Ham but also for the national squad that he decides to play for."

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1Arsenal28204470244664
2Liverpool28197265263964
3Manchester CityMan City28196363283563
4Aston Villa29175760421856
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs28165759421753
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd28152113939047
7West Ham UnitedWest Ham2912894650-444
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2811985044642
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves28125114244-241
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle281241259481140
11Chelsea27116104745239
12Fulham29115134344-138
13Bournemouth2898114152-1135
14Crystal Palace2878133348-1529
15Brentford2975174154-1326
16Everton2887132939-1025
17Luton TownLuton2957174260-1822
18Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2967163551-1621
19Burnley2945202963-3417
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2835202474-5014
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