Cape Town - Arsenal need playmaker Mesut Ozil on the field if they are going to be a top four contender in the Premier League, says Tim Sherwood.
The Gunners have notched up just one Premier League victory since Boxing Day and dropped crucial points against West Ham United on Saturday.
Ozil has been largely sidelined by boss Unai Emery of late and Sherwood believes this is a mistake. Speaking on Sky Sports’ The Debate, the former Aston Villa manager says Emery needs to lean on Ozil.
"Surely he has to get Ozil on side? He's one of his best players,” he said.
"You can't burn bridges with a player who is on £350,000 a week and is sitting there doing nothing. You have to get him on side and get him on the pitch and do his best to make the team better.
"Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira are good at what they do, but they cannot see the pass like Ozil.
"Get him on side again, talk to him, get your arm around tell, him he what he needs to be told, even if you mean it or you don't, you tell him and make him feel like he's the main man, because Ozil on form is better than anything than Arsenal have got.
"Not only that, he is eating away at that wage bill, it's wasted money if he's not on the pitch. Get him on the pitch. It might be against your principles, but if you want to get results you are better with him in the team than without him in the team."
Arsenal are currently fifth place on the table and host fourth place Chelsea at the Emirates on Saturday.