Unai Emery explains Mesut Ozil's absence vs West Ham

Arsenal manager Unai Emery has confirmed that Mesut Ozil had been suffering from an illness which hampered his participation against West Ham United on Saturday afternoon.

Reports earlier in the day claimed that the German may not be involved in the matchday squad versus the Hammers and that was the case after the teams were confirmed at 2pm.

In Ozil's absence, Aaron Ramsey slotted into the number 10 position and the Gunners were able to register their first league win under Emery after beating the Hammers by a 3-1 scoreline.

Speaking after the game, Emery confirmed that the German footballer was deemed ill for the encounter following advice from the medical department, he told BBC Sport:

"Yeah, he was ill and yesterday we decided with the doctor and with him that he would not play. Today he is here and with the team also because he feels better today but he is not here now because he was sick yesterday."

Arsenal were once again vulnerable in the defensive department against the Hammers but they were able to register three points after garnering more scoring attempts than their opponents.

Emery's side are scheduled to travel to Wales for their next league meeting against Cardiff City and thereafter, they would be heading for the first international break of the season.