The reasons why Arsenal boss Unai Emery is right to drop £350k-a-week Mesut Ozil for tough away games
UNAI EMERY risks a massive bust-up with £350,000-a-week superstar Mesut Ozil over his plans to continue dropping the German for tough away trips - but the stats prove he is right to do so.
The Arsenal boss left Ozil on the bench for the 2-1 win at Bournemouth because he feared he could not handle their "physicality".
The former Paris Saint-Germain head coach was initially peeved at Ozil's performance in the 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace earlier this month.
World Cup-winner Ozil was subbed off and threw a tantrum as he left the Selhurst Park pitch.
It is believed Emery still sees the club's marquee player as an integral member of his squad - especially given his bumper pay packet.
But the boss' apparent willingness to drop such a big name no doubt undermines Ozil's role at the club.
And SunSport has dug up the stats to show just how Arsenal have fared without the former Real Madrid man this season.
The Gunners have won all three of the Premier League games in which Ozil has played no part.
They are the 3-1 home win over West Ham on August 25, the 5-1 thumping of Fulham at Craven Cottage on October 7 and last Sunday's win over the Cherries.
That 100 per cent win rate is in stark contrast to the 50 per cent win rate when Ozil is in the side.
Of the ten games in which Ozil has featured, Arsenal have five wins, three draws and two losses.
Emery's side also average 1.5 goals a game more without Ozil - 1.8 with him versus 3.3 without him.
What is not in doubt is Ozil's ability to create chances.
He is still far and away the best in the side at that, responsible for 20 so far this Premier League season.
Aaron Ramsey - who will leave the club at the end of the campaign - is a distant second on just 14.
Ozil is likely to start Sunday's blockbuster North London derby against Spurs.
And could also feature in Thursday's Europa League clash against Vorskla Poltava.