Mesut Ozil turning back the clock under Mikel Arteta

Mesut Ozil’s transformation under Mikel Arteta has surprised many Arsenal fans. The midfielder has been a wonderful player for the Gunners over the years, but his recent form was not convincing at all and it seemed to hit rock bottom under the caretaker manager Freddie Ljungberg.

Ozil’s attitude was in question as well after his reaction to his substitution in the Manchester City game. The fans were of the view that he should be sold in the mid-season transfer window. However many of them have changed their mind now.

While Ozil put on a really good show against Chelsea as well, a game where Arsenal was leading when he left the pitch, it was in the Manchester United game that the 31-year old truly turned back the clock.

The Arsenal fans have been complaining in the recent times that Ozil is not playing as per his role. He is the bridge between the back-line and the players upfront. He is there to create, not to hold, so why is he dropping deep?

The criticism was justified to some extent as Ozil was not getting himself in the greatest of positions to create things in the final third.

However, he seems to have found his touch now. His passing against United was highly accurate and more importantly, he was moving the ball forward. Most of his passes were in the areas which were dangerous for the opposition.

The fact that he has been getting the service from the two holding midfielders, Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira, behind him is only helping the German international.

When asked about the reason why Ozil has been looking different since his arrival, Arteta said, “He has got the same capacity to run like any other player. It’s about will and about wanting to do it.” 

“To all the players individually and collectively, with what I expect from them and what they have to expect from each other when they are in that football pitch. He [Ozil] is no different.” The Arsenal boss added.

Featured Image Credits: Sky Sports