Arteta says everything is "OK" between him and Ozil despite being dropped against Man City

Fans of the north London side were left stunned as the Gunners traveled to the Etihad Stadium without their star man, Mesut Ozil. 

The Arsenal lost 3-0 against Manchester City on Wednesday night, with Raheem Sterling getting the first goal just before half time. 

Kevin De Bruyne converted a penalty in the 46th minutes after David Luiz poor tackle on Mahrez which saw him receive red. 

Phil Foden came off the bench to grab the third when he tapped home a rebound effort from Sergio Aguero. 

Arsenal were unable to create any goal scoring opportunity, as Mesut Ozil who is the most creative wasn't list in the squad. 

While speaking ahead of weekend game against Brighton, Mikel Arteta during a zoom press conference said he took a tactical chance not to play Ozil. 

According to transcript from Arsenal's official website reads:

On the tactical reasons which saw Mesut Ozil left out:

"I have been very open with Mesut from day one. Since I joined I thought that he was fit and he was willing and he wanted to perform at the level he can do. He has played every game with me I think. So that it is. The moment I see that he is ready again to do that, I will treat him like anybody else. I think I have been more than fair with him and I think he has responded in many games the way I want. That’s it."

Mikel Arteta who replaced Unai Emery who was sacked at the end of 2019 over poor results of games said he dropped Mesut because they German wasn't ready for the game. 

On why Ozil wasn't ready:

" There's a lot that's happened to him in the last few weeks and I have to respect the time for every player. Sometimes they need a little bit of time. It's been difficult preparation the last two months to get players ready and again, I'm the first one who wants Mesut at the best. I'm going to put him on the pitch when I think he can give his best."

Arsenal still holding on to a slim chance of qualifying for next season European football, haven missed out in the Champions League for the past two seasons.

On how Ozil reacts when he doesn't play:

"He was very well with me. There were no issues at all" 

On whether Ozil questions why he's not playing:

"My conversations with Mesut will remain between me and him. What I can tell you is that it was a completely fine, honest and clear conversation. That's it."