One does not simply drop their star players for the sake of it or because of a dodgy patch.
Mesut Ozil was absolutely class tonight wriggling out of tight areas, retaining possession, always looking forward. It's the fast high tempo games he thrives in and he was superb
Alexis may have been in bad form of late but he's our best goalscorer and have to play him till he rediscovers that touch, tonight was the night in which he scored what turned out to be the winner!
His work rate alone should have him starting every week regardless nevermind quality. As the only pacy guy in our attack he was the outlet for us and was brilliant.
I was nervous after that first half but with these bottom teams they have an early strategy and if you can weather the storm during that period quality will make the difference eventually.
Shout out to Giroud always trust him to score in London-based games, massive goal that put the game in our hands.
Rosicky grew as the game went on, Bellerin was excellent what a talent, much better from Merts.
Gabriel injury is a worry however, he dominated Zamora to my surprise and hopefully he's not out for a long period
Not a great game but just need these wins with our rivals all getting results
Get in there!!!
That's Why Alexis & Ozil Walk In The Team
posted on 4/3/15
Zamora always batters us so it's good to see we kept him quiet
posted on 4/3/15
That control, cruyff turn and subsequent shot of the post was utterly world class from ozil. Tragedy that it didnt go in
posted on 4/3/15
If Ozil played for any other team, I would be damn jealous!
Alexis battled through his bad form tonight, sheer will-power.
One lapse made it a hide behind the couch last few minutes, but overall, I liked it a lot.
posted on 4/3/15
comment by The Godfather (U10154)
posted 1 minute ago
That control, cruyff turn and subsequent shot of the post was utterly world class from ozil. Tragedy that it didnt go in
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Agreed. He reminded me of DB10 in some ways tonight, if he reaches his full potential, he could get somewhere near him. Or is that too far-fetched?
posted on 4/3/15
Hard to say Tyke as DB was a goalscorer.
Think Ozil is a combination of Pires & Bergkamp in some ways but is more about assisting than scoring.
Think he has his own identity and if he reaches his full potential will be a great, there's a lot more Wenger can do to get the best from him but as far as self confidence is concerned I think he's managed him quite well.
posted on 4/3/15
The issue I have with Ozil is that he is a luxury player. He contributed nothing until minute 30 (to paraphrase maureen), then faded in the last 20 minutes. Everyone can see that he cannot play more than 70 mins apart from Wenger. Why can't the senile old bügger see it ?
If we are going to play him then he needs to be subbed when he gets tired . Otherwise we are playing with 10 men. Between minute 30 and minute 70 he had some good touches but did he really contribute more than a Theo or Ox would have done ?
posted on 4/3/15
comment by sammy nelson sbum (U6244)
posted 2 minutes ago
The issue I have with Ozil is that he is a luxury player. He contributed nothing until minute 30 (to paraphrase maureen), then faded in the last 20 minutes. Everyone can see that he cannot play more than 70 mins apart from Wenger. Why can't the senile old bügger see it ?
If we are going to play him then he needs to be subbed when he gets tired . Otherwise we are playing with 10 men. Between minute 30 and minute 70 he had some good touches but did he really contribute more than a Theo or Ox would have done ?
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I bet the stats will show Ozil having run the most for the 3rd game in a row. Ozil did his job today after our slow start. Retained the ball and kept it moving with speed and precision in the final third. Personally I love what he contributes, its several levels above anyone else in the team in terms of passing vision and intelligence on the ball.
Santi's close control and ability to retain ball by switching ball between feet is also something i love to watch
posted on 4/3/15
I agree to an extent sometimes Mesut needs to come off but I kind of sympathise with Arsene at times when leaving him on because you often need players that can produce that bit of magic when it's tight.
On another day he may have scored that Cruyff turn late on and the decision would have been justified. He's also very good at retaining the ball and travelling with it for large periods that's a vital skill late on.
But it all depends on how much of the ball we'll see in the last 20 mins that tips this debate one way or another. When off the ball you're right we should take him off
posted on 4/3/15
I think that there is far too much emphasis on stats . As the old saying goes there are lies, damned lies and stats.
I go by what I see with my eyes . Ozil has lots of qualities but he will not be considered a great until he addresses his deficiencies. Needs to be more involved from minute 1 to minute 90 and needs to grow some bâlls when defending and when in front of goal. Never looks confident of scoring. Just think back to that arrogant, ruthless look that DB10 used to have when he had a sight of goal. And when defending D10 could certainly dish it out.
posted on 5/3/15
"Think Ozil is a combination of Pires & Bergkamp in some ways but is more about assisting than scoring. "
This.
Not saying he's at either level yet but in terms of style this is bang on.