I know that a lot of Arsenal fans are actually quite glad about the news that our Germany international Mesut Ozil will not be available to play for a while because of the knee ligament problem that was identified when he turned up for international duty this week. But you should be careful what you wish for.
The 25-year old midfielder has certainly been a divisive member of the Gunners since joining from Real Madrid in a club record transfer last summer. He is one of those players who rarely catches the eye unless it is for the wrong reasons, failing to track back or being out-muscled in a challenge, but I also think that Ozil is one of those players whose contribution to a team is often under valued because of the way he plays.
Arsene Wenger often talks about this, claiming that Ozil does the simple things so well that he is like the oil in a car engine. Maybe we should look at the Germany result in Poland last night, their first qualifying defeat in 33 games since losing to the Czech Republic in 2007, as a warning as to how much the Gunners might miss the passing and vision of our German playmaker.
I am not saying that being without Ozil is the sole reason why Germany lost, but neither do I think it is a complete coincidence. Germany had plenty of the play and did create some decent chances but overall the problem was their failure to break down a well organised Poland defence, who had the Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny in splendid form behind them to save any attempts the Germans managed to produce.
Our striker Lukas Podolski came closest for the World Cup holders after coming on with 10 minutes to play, but his fierce shot could only find the woodwork. All in all, the Germany side lacked the fluidity and creative spark that they often get from Ozil and I just hope that we do not find the same to be true for Arsenal in the coming months. At least we have Santi Cazorla, but the Spaniard needs to be in top form and, more importantly, has to stay fit until Ozil returns.
Will we miss him as much as Germany did?
Tell you what, that is not his splendid form. That is he being his usual self. He is very high quality. And he is 23. He will only get better.
Last year in so many games, he singlehandedly kept us winning in low-scoring matches. Check out last years top 10 saves. And you will be surprised.
Our true unsung(literally) hero.
seeing as fabianski left and mannone and they are now both first team goalies at premier league sides, an we have ospina benched:
id say he is hardly unsung, the reason he doesnt get big mentions is like kos (another vital for us)he plays in less glamorous postition.
you only really hear about keepers when its schmeicel level – which is rare-
and shezza still has lapses in concentration- but i agree he is quality
Agree regarding both i.e. less glamorous position and lapse in concentration.
People tend to bring up stats to compare goalies, forgetting that we are a attacking team very prone to counter attacks and we play without a proper DM, for so long now.
Its a sad news for us considering the length of injuries our first team players are being sidelined with…
Buh if the remaining players would believe in themselves, and get the job done till january, then we will be such a great force to reckon with…
#coyg
@ebemka
Exactly…
@Sumo
I think what added fuel to Woj’s performance, he was in direct competition to his idol Neuer. And he came out on top.
With the exception of Poldi’s “missile”, Woj had it all under control…
still.not.good enough..we need a world class gk to keep on his toes, to provide competition and push him further
I am willing to put money on us being better without him, not because he’s a bad player, but it will force Wenger into playing 2 proper wingers with a proper cam (cazorla) and a proper midfield (flamini & wilshere).. but for some reason I would not be surprised if Wenger still manages to mess the line-up up..
—————— Welbeck ——————–
Alexis ———– Cazorla ———- Walcott
——– Ramsey ——— Flamini ———–
watch – AW will find some way to f*ck this up.
Play Cazorla in number 10 position
then when Ozil comes back put him in the number 10 position and stop this wing nonsense
We have Walcott, Sanchez, Oxlade, Campbell who can play on the wings
Put Ozil/Cazorla in their natural and best position
Dont know the impact of ozil injury…..but podolski was superb …..thundering shots on goal …..one volley and the other a shot on low cross……love you podolski …..if he could improve a bit on defensive skills ….wud be a treat for the fans to see him play
I think we should sign up my man “Climax” Lawrence from Atletico Kolkata in the Indian Super League to replace Ozil…LMFAO
Ha ha. The commentary will be like-
“Luis Gracia can’t reach Climax.”
“No players are being able to reach Climax on the field.”
But seriously, we lack the technical skill to play football. Even Luis Gracia is dribbling through 2-3 players at once. It was so boring to sit through it.
This league is not going to help. We need grassroot developemnt.
Those in England – Is this new Ozil rumor true? and can we take a break from Ozil articles? They make me sadder than Haywill after we lose.