‘I try to respond with honesty’ – Arteta forced to defend reasons for dropping Ozil despite Rapid win

Although Arsenal emerged victorious from their Europa League assignment at Rapid Vienna, not all of the post-match press conference questions surrounded the match.

It was perhaps inevitable that the Spaniard would be asked about his decision not to have Mesut Ozil as part of his Europa League or Premier League squads, rendering the midfielder redundant for the remainder of the season.

It prompted an outcry on social media, and it left Arteta forced to defend the reasons behind the controversy.