Mesut Ozil’s mood swings playing role in row with Arsenal manager Emery

Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at West Ham played into the forward’s hands after he was left out of the matchday squad by Arsenal’s head coach.

Ozil is winning the PR war with Emery, posting happy-clappy pictures on social media that appeal to an increasingly frustrated bunch of Arsenal supporters.

But Ozil, who has not played since he was hooked at half-time in the 1-1 draw at Brighton on Boxing Day, is fast running out of friends at the Emirates.

2. IT was a bit mean-spirited of Leicester stewards to confiscate a “Puel Out” card from a fed-up punter.

Puel is getting it in the neck again because he foolishly meddled with the Foxes side for their FA Cup tie against Newport.

It ended in embarrassment for their head coach, beaten 2-1 at Rodney Parade last weekend.

He was only spared because of some sensational Christmas wins against Chelsea, Manchester City and Everton.

The fans are entitled to turn after losing to a League Two side in the Cup.

After sliding to an abject 2-1 defeat at home to his former club Southampton, the heat is on again.

3. PEP GUARDIOLA made it clear that there will be no more gifts when Manchester City thrashed Rotherham and Burton.

Guardiola wants goals and has ordered his players to play at their maximum, no matter what the quality of the opposition.

That was especially bad news for weaker opposition, but City’s demanding manager is not used to playing catch-up.

They are in the business of winning big games and they have another one this evening at home to Wolves.

Guardiola does not want anyone spared after doubts surfaced about his team’s motivation and mentality before they beat Liverpool.

Tonight, against Wolves, they can remind the country of their title-winning credentials.

4. WILFRIED ZAHA owes Crystal Palace a performance after another subdued display against Watford.

Zaha has not been at his best since he complained bitterly at Huddersfield earlier in the season about the lack of protection from referees.

The Palace forward, who signed a new contract at Selhurst Park earlier in the season, is a long way short of his terrorising best

Deep down Roy Hodgson will know that, but he was being super protective of his star man after the Hornets beat them on Saturday.

Zaha, easily the most talented player in the Palace squad, should be doing better.

5. GARETH SOUTHGATE needs a word with young Declan Rice after his outstanding performance against Arsenal.

Rice is still weighing up his international future and does not want to be pressurised after originally committing to the Republic of Ireland.

Rice showed maturity beyond his years in the 1-0 victory over Arsenal, underling his display with the winner at the London Stadium.

Southgate has always been keen to promote youth and Rice, who is yet to decide which country to play for, is clearly one for the future.


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