Arsenal boss responds when asked if Ozil and Martinelli will play against Wolves

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal manager Unai Emery has told his pre-Wolves press conference – as quoted by Football London – that Mesut Ozil and Gabriel Martinelli could both feature for the Gunners against Wolves on Saturday afternoon.

Ozil, 31, made only his third appearance of the season on Wednesday night, shining as Arsenal drew 5-5 with Liverpool in the Carabao Cup before losing on penalties. Ozil laid on an assist, and created Martinelli’s second.

Indeed, Martinelli netted twice in the end-to-end clash. It has taken his tally to seven goals in just four starts, scoring twice against Standard Liege and Nottingham Forest as well. He also netted against Vitoria.

But the Brazilian summer signing is yet to start a Premier League match – while Ozil has only started one this season. After both shined on Wednesday, Emery stated that he is thinking of a way to incorporate the two players into his side.

“It’s very important,” Emery said, about Ozil and Martinelli. “First we are playing a lot of matches and using a lot of players. For them it is a challenge each match to show how they are and how they can help us.

“For me it’s very important also and positive their performance on Wednesday in Liverpool. I am thinking how they can help us tomorrow.”

TBR’s view – Ozil simply has to start against Wolves

Martinelli not so much. For the young Brazilian, getting little nibbles of Premier League football is the perfect amount for the 18-year-old – despite his stunning form which has seen him net seven goals in seven games for Arsenal.

But it is impossible to drop either Alexandre Lacazette or Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at this moment. But in Ozil’s case, the German playmaker simply has to start – especially with Emery confirming that Granit Xhaka will not play on Saturday.