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Arsenal recorded their first victory of the 2018/19 season as they defeated West Ham 3-1 on Saturday at The Emirates.

After losing their opening two games against Manchester City and Chelsea, this was certainly a welcome three points for Emery’s troops.

The win was not exactly convincing as West Ham’s Felipe Anderson in particular did cause problems for  the Gunners throughout but the Gunners were the better team of the two on the day.

One of the surprises to come from the game was the fact that Mesut Ozil was not included in Arsenal’s match-day squad for the game.

Ozil was clearly misfiring during the two opening defeats. The German has had a difficult past few months. He struggled for form during the 2018 World Cup as Germany were eliminated during the group stage and went on to retire from international football after the tournament as well as accuse the German Football Federation of racism.

There have been reports that Ozil went AWOL after learning that Emery had planned to drop him for the game.

Arsenal fans will certainly be hoping that Ozil is able to get back to his best during the coming weeks. At 29, Ozil’s best years may be behind him but he could still perform at the highest level for a few more seasons at least. However, considering the emotional turmoil which he has had to experience during recent times, it remains to be seen whether he will ever regain his confidence and passion for the game.

As reported by the Arsenal website, Emery said: “Maybe in English it is difficult to explain, but first, why is this information [being reported]? It isn’t true. That information needs first to be true. Who is starting to telling you or us this information? You ask me, or the doctor, or the club. He was sick yesterday. He spoke with the doctor and with me, and decided not to play today. But he did not leave training [due to that], but because he was going to his home, because he was sick.

“He was sick and today, he was sick. He left to his house and I said to him, to come [to the match] if he feels better and he feels better today and before the match he is with the team and with me.

“When you are sick… I don’t know how I can explain in English. In Spanish it is ‘catarro’. (Translator: He is blocked up, he’s got a cold.)

“He is bad with sick. It is not a problem with the player, it is not true this information. So ask the doctor and the doctor can explain better!”

Arsenal are next in action against Cardiff City next Sunday. This is a game in which Emery’s side will be the clear favorites and a game from which they should aim for nothing less than the three points.

Cardiff have yet to record their first win of the season and their 0-0 stalemate with Huddersfield Town on Saturday means that they have thus far drawn two of their League games and lost one.

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