Arsenal took advantage of the international break by having a behind closed door friendly match against a championship side at the club’s training ground yesterday.
The Gunners hosted Reading FC at Colney in a friendly match that saw Mesut Ozil, Rob Holding and Hector Bellerin feature. The match ended 2-2 at stoppage time and no media was allowed to cover.
Unai Emery took the chance to try out different tactics with players who had not been called for international duties. What stood out was the fact that Mesut Ozil was given a chance to play after being sidelined in the last 8 premier league matches. Could it be a sign that Unai and Ozil have buried the hatchet? We will wait and see.
The friendly match also saw a defensive combination of Kieran Tierny, Rob Holding and Hector Bellerin taking part in the match, with Mustafi and Mitland Niles also featuring.
Arsenal travel to Sheffield United on Monday in a English premier league clash without key striker Alexander Lacazette who has been nursing an ankle injury. However positive signs have been noted and he will resume normal training soon but it is unlikely he will take part in Monday’s clash.
It is still unclear whether head coach Unai Emery will hid to the fans call to play Ozil in the coming matches after being heavily criticized for not giving the German playing minutes. Emery has instead opted to play Dani Cebalos whom he said he provides better options that Mesut Ozil. Also, Arsenal fans are looking forward so seeing Tierny, Holding and Bellerin playing together for the first time.
Arsenal head to Bramall Lane on Monday sitting third in the Premier League table with 15 points one behind defending champions Manchester City.