Arsenal boss Unai Emery says Mesut Ozil was worthy of his place in tonight's Europa League win over BATE Borisov.

The manager spoke about Ozil ahead of the BATE Borisov game and claimed the German's future is in his own hands.

Emery returned Ozil to his starting XI for the must-win second leg on Thursday, and it seems the midfielder impressed his boss.

"Well. I said to him carry on, be available like today, like the last two weeks," revealed Emery, when asked what he said to Ozil after the game.

"Today I am happy, it was like what we want from him."

Emery is remaining coy over the Gunners' chances of success.

"It's very difficult to win this competition," he added. "The last three who won it were Atletico, Manchester United and then Sevilla played Liverpool. There are big teams."