Arsenal are finally up and running under Unai Emery.

For half an hour against West Ham, the Gunners looked in danger of slipping to a third successive defeat following losses to Manchester City and Chelsea.

That was before Nacho Monreal cancelled out Marko Arnautovic's opener; an Issa Diop own goal and Danny Welbeck's late strike eventually sealed the three points for the hosts.

There were plenty of positives for Emery to take from his first competitive win, yet much of the talk post-match centred on Mesut Ozil, who was conspicuous by his absence.

The former Germany international cited illness - again - but there have been widespread rumours of a bust-up between himself and the new man in charge.

In the opening two games, Emery warned the playmaker that he was expected to track back and defend more. He eventually took him off against Chelsea.

While the Spaniard has been keen to put those reports to bed, he did suggest in this weekend's press conference that words had been had with Ozil regarding his position.

The 29-year-old prefers to play as a number 10, yet Arsenal are planning to utilise him increasingly on the right.

Emery's message for Ozil 

“Everyone will play in the position we need, so it is about where he will be better for us," Emery told reporters.

“I spoke with Mesut about his best position on the pitch and I know he can play on the right or as a No 10.

“When he was playing for Real Madrid, I remember a lot of matches when he was on the right.

“Mesut has played for me on the right wing and also as a No 10 — and we are going to continue to do that.”

In the early stages of his reign at the Emirates, the former PSG and Sevilla boss has faced criticism for failing to adapt his tactics to fit the players he has at his disposal.

“I want the possibility that all the players can play in different positions depending on each match and the opponents," he added.

“We want to do the high pressing game and for that we need the right combination. The most important thing is for the player to have the mentality to help the team with his quality and his performance.

“Our demands are very great but I ask every player every day to give us more. Not just Mesut, but the whole squad.

“We all need to have the ambition and desire to improve. That is my message for everyone.”

So, definitely not aimed at Ozil then. Glad that's been cleared up. 

Do you think Ozil should be playing as a no. 10? Have your say in the comments.