London Football News

Match of the Day pundit: Arsenal boss Emery got key decision wrong

© Yui Mok/PA Wire

Danny Murphy has insisted that Unai Emery got it wrong by taking Mesut Ozil off at half-time against Brighton.

Arsenal drew 1-1 at the Amex Stadium, where Ozil was withdrawn for tactical reasons, according to Gunners boss Emery.

The visitors were well on top during the opening half an hour of the game but changes by Brighton boss Chris Hughton had the desired effect and without Ozil Arsenal were less of a threat in the second half.

Speaking as a pundit on Match of the Day, former Tottenham and Fulham midfielder Murphy said the change by Emery had a negative impact.

Murphy said: “He’s been applauded many times for his substitutions, but I thought he got it wrong.

“They didn’t play as well (in the second half). In the first 30 minutes they played some scintillating stuff and should have won the game.

“Don’t get me wrong, Chris Hughton made a few changes himself which helped Brighton turn it round as well, but Ozil coming off…I don’t see where it benefited them (Arsenal).”

The result left Arsenal in fifth place in the Premier League table, seven points behind second-placed Tottenham and and 13 behind leaders Liverpool.




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