This archive report was first published on 28 December 2019.
December 28, 2019 - Mikel Arteta has given Mesut Ozil a chance to redeem himself at Arsenal, and the German playmaker is expected to make the most of it in the London derby against Chelsea on Sunday.
Arteta, who took charge of the team on December 15, has been impressed by Ozil's attitude in training and has given him a clean slate.
"To be fair his attitude in training since the day that I walked in the building has been incredible, and I've seen this," Arteta said.
Arteta's decision to start Ozil in his first match in charge paid off as Arsenal salvaged a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on Thursday.
However, Ozil's previous antics, including reacting angrily to being substituted in the 3-0 loss to Manchester City, had raised concerns about his commitment to the team.
But Arteta is hopeful that Ozil will put on a commanding display against Chelsea, who are fourth in the Premier League table and eight points ahead of Arsenal in the race to qualify for the Champions League.
Chelsea, who slumped to a 2-0 home defeat to Southampton on Thursday, are facing a tough test against Arsenal, who are desperate to return to Europe's elite club competition.
