Unai Emery wants “no distractions” off the field to derail his Arsenal side’s fine displays on the pitch after video emerged of players allegedly taking nitrous oxide before the start of the season.
Mesut Ozil, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Matteo Guendouzi and Alexandre Lacazette were among those pictured in CCTV footage published by The Sun on Friday.
Arsenal said they would remind their players of their responsibilities following the incident, which allegedly took place before the start of the season, and Emery, speaking for the first time since the news broke in the aftermath of the Gunners’ 1-0 win over Huddersfield, said it was an internal matter.
“Inside we can speak about that,” Emery said. “I don’t want distractions.
"Today every player was focused on the match. It’s a tough match, a slow rhythm. We deserved to win.”
Emery refused to reveal whether he had spoken to his players.
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is available but it is illegal to sell the supply the substance for its psychoactive effect.
In a statement on Friday Arsenal said: "The players will be spoken to about this and reminded of their responsibilities as representatives of the club."
