Unai Emery has called on Mesut Ozil to be more demanding when it comes to wanting the ball.

The German, predictably, came under fire after Arsenal’s defeat at the hands of Manchester City on the opening weekend. His body language makes him an easy, but lazy, target for those who cannot resist criticising him.

Speaking to the press ahead of the club’s second game of the season, this time against Chelsea, Emery was quizzed about Ozil as reporters looked to generate some controversy ahead of the game.

“There are defensive moments and attacking moments,” Emery replied when asked about the player.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 12: Unai Emery, Manager of Arsenal speaks with Mesut Ozil of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on August 12, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 12: Unai Emery, Manager of Arsenal speaks with Mesut Ozil of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on August 12, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

“Every player needs this commitment. We need to start together, whether we are attacking or defending.

“I want that from every player, defensive moments are for each and every player.

Mesut Ozil has scored one goal against Chelsea in 12 matches

“Ozil has played all his career like a No 10, like a right winger going inside to receive the ball. It’s clear he needs the ball more, to give more options in the attacking moments.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 12: Raheem Sterling of Manchester City and Mesut Ozil of Arsenal battle for the ball during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on August 12, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 12: Raheem Sterling of Manchester City and Mesut Ozil of Arsenal battle for the ball during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on August 12, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

“He needs to do that in each match — be demanding for us.”

180818 daily mail mesut ozil stats
via Daily Mail 18 August 2018

In other match news, former Arsenal captain, Cesc Fabregas, will miss Saturday’s game with an injured leg after he was kicked ‘close to his knee’.

“Fabregas is out for this match. I hope he’ll be able to feature next week. I’m not sure,” Maurizio Sarri told reporters.

“It’s nothing serious but he has a very unusual injury. He has pain near the knee, not in the knee.”

Fabregas has scored one and assisted two in his 10 games against Arsenal.

Asked about his Arsenal counterpart, Sarri replied, “Emery is a good coach.

“He won the Europa League three times, he won in France with Paris St Germain. Arsenal will be competitive. They will be able to fight for a place in the Champions League.”