Fairly self-explanatory title.
My view is that we should use him from the bench when games become more stretched, and he can operate further up field, with more tired defenders to work at and potentially more willing runners in our side to work with.
I think that for Stoke next week he should start on the bench. I would like to see Rosicky back in that position of our excellent run in last year, right behind the striker, setting the tempo of the side, with Santi and Ox wide of him, and then take your pick of Jack, Arteta and Flamini in the deeper positions.
Now, I didn't actually see the game yesterday, but was it Tomas or Santi playing centrally, or were they essentially just dovetailing?
I think this should start at Stoke, and depending on the result there, should potentially be carried into the Everton match. For what it's worth I like the idea of O.G. up front against Stoke next week, but potentially give Sanogo a go in the F.A. Cup after. It seems now Sanogo has played a few games, that we now have a few more options to tinker with.
If Mesut is on the bench, this means we could have attacking players on the bench such as him, Podolski, Gnabry, Bendtner and Sanogo, which are forward thinking enough alternatives to a turn a game on it's head.
Just a thought, and hardly convinced Wenger will do it, but let's see. It's nothing particularly against Ozil and his performances, but perhaps we will see a slightly different player if he is rested a little more, and has a point to prove off the bench. At the end of the day, none of our players should be expected to play every match, and for me Ozil should have 2-3 games out of the firing line.
Ozil as an impact player? (TIME BEING)
posted on 23/2/14
But for two matches, would you not consider it? We want our best player available against the best teams.
I would play him against Bayern and against Spurs, and then take it from there.
I am not really a critic of Mesut, I just think where we can help our players we should. I am optimistic Giroud being dropped, which he definitely was against Bayern, will help him.
posted on 23/2/14
Stoke game is bigger than the Bayern game. Rest him for the trip to Munich, don't even send him there. He should play in every domestic game if available, we will need him at his best if we are going to win a trophy.
posted on 23/2/14
I somehow am not convinced Ozil will allow himself to not go to Munich. He is going to want to play in that match, for sure.
posted on 23/2/14
Ozil needs a rest, no question. To be honest, I was surprised to see Wenger putting him in the starting 11 as often as he has done, even with the injuries.
Everyone knows that the first season in the premiership is a tough one for a new signing, particularly someone who is used to a winter break
posted on 23/2/14
I wish there was a hybrid of Ozil and Rosicky - Rosicky's intensity and energy combined with Ozil's productive playmaking. That would be the best player in the league. But no way should a Real Madrid and Germany standout player be an "impact" bench-warmer for Arsenal.
posted on 23/2/14
I actually think that using him as an impact sub could be a good short term solution. He is clearly tired but will not want to sit out completely so playing Rosicky for an hour and bringing on Ozil could work.
The key thing is he needs the rest and I don't think a weeks rest here and there will provide the long term solution until he has got used to the PL. But the other side is we don't want to put his getting used to the league back to much by not playing him enough.
posted on 23/2/14
For the next two games I would sit him on the bench and give him 30 minutes at the end.
He needs to be involved but he can't be putting in 90 minutes all the time. He just doesn't have it in him yet.
Good idea
posted on 23/2/14
Terrible idea.
Your best player has to play. It was right to rest him entirely yesterday, for a game that was at home to a lower ranked side, but he shouldn't be benched. Ever. Arsenal's next two games, Stoke (a) & Everton in the Cup, are 'must win' games. The idea of AFC using their best player as an impact sub for those games is laughable.
posted on 23/2/14
Your best player has to play. It was right to rest him entirely yesterday, for a game that was at home to a lower ranked side, but he shouldn't be benched. Ever.
Rigid tactics make for a poor manager.
If someone is playing poorly they are benchable.
posted on 23/2/14
he's our best player but he isn't playing like our best player, if he's not on form then persisting with him might do more harm than good. And to be honest when you look at our midfield options we're not desperate, Ox couldn't even get off the bench yesterday and Ramsey will be back soon. Give Ozil a breather and he might get a 2nd wind for the end of the season