Unai Emery has insisted the decision to substitute Mesut Ozil during Wednesday night's Carabao Cup clash with Liverpool was a pre-meditated one that he had discussed with the player prior to kick-off.
The German was Arsenal's best player during the barnstorming 5-5 draw with the Reds in the Carabao Cup at Anfield, a game the hosts ultimately ran out 5-4 winners on penalties.
This was just Ozil's third appearance in all competitions this season having being frozen out by the Gunners' boss, who has made it painstakingly clear he doesn't see the playmaker as part of his future plans.