Arsenal ace Matteo Guendouzi lifts lid on Mesut Ozil rift rumours

ARSENAL ace Matteo Guendouzi insists there is no tension at the club following reports of a rift between Unai Emery and Mesut Ozil.

Posted Monday, August 27, 2018 by

Ozil was surprisingly absent from Arsenal's 3-1 win over West Ham yesterday.

Reports emerged that Ozil reacted angrily to discovering he would start from the bench against the Hammers.

But Emery said prior to the match that the German maestro was hampered with illness.

And Guendouzi, who has started every game for Arsenal this season following his summer arrival, has rubbished any talk of issues at the Emirates.

"No, there are never tensions," the 19-year-old midfielder told RMC Sport.

"We know what we are capable of, we have a great squad, a great staff. It's a great club, we know we can do great things this year.

"Of course we lost the first two matches but there were very positive things in those first two matches, it should be noted.

"So now we won against West Ham and maybe we showed people who didn't believe in us that we will be there this season and you have to count on us until the end of the season."

Emery was questioned about Ozil in his post-match press conference and laughed off reports of a bust-up with his star man.

The Spanish boss said: "It isn't true, that information. I don't know who started it.

If you ask me, the doctor, or the club. He was sick. He left training because he was going home.

"He was sick. Today he was here. I said come if you feel better and he felt better.

Arsenal star Mesut Ozil missed his side's win over West Ham

"Before the match he was with the team and with me.

"No problem with the player. Ask the doctor, he can explain better."

Arsenal did not miss Ozil as they claimed their first points of the new season against West Ham.

Nacho Montreal, an Issa Diop own goal and Danny Welbeck secured a much-needed win for Emery.

Arsene Wenger's successor said: "We are happy because it is the first three points after two defeats.

"In the second half we wanted to find more balance on the pitch and we did. It was a difficult match, for that we are happy but there are things to improve."

Arsenal make the trip to south Wales to take on Cardiff next Sunday before the international break.