Mesut Ozil’s record in ‘big’ games: Stats reveal if he goes missing by Russell Cane
Does Mesut Ozil go missing in the big games? That was the scathing assessment of the Arsenal midfielder by former Chelsea manager Glenn Hoddle following the Gunners’ 3-1 defeat to the league leaders on Saturday.
But how accurate is Hoddle? Or is his criticism of the German unjustified?
Daily Fantasy Football game Oulala.com have taken a look at Arsenal’s record against the other ‘big six’ Premier League teams when Ozil has featured in the side since he joined in 2013, as well as his individual contribution too.
Since September 2013, when Ozil made his league debut, the 28-year-old has faced Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham a total of 27 times in the Premier League.
Ozil’s best record has come against Liverpool, winning more games against the Reds than the other four sides. His two wins in five appearances against Liverpool has resulted in a win rate of 40 per cent. His worst record for wins has come against Tottenham with the German still yet to register a Premier League win against Arsenal’s North London rivals with Ozil in the team.
He has recorded the most draws against Spurs, four in five games. While his most losses have come against Chelsea, losing to the Blues four times in the seven matches he has featured.
The midfielder has picked up the most points per game against Liverpool (1.6), while he has his worst points per game record against Chelsea (0.7).
Individually, the stats show Ozil performs best when he faces Man United. The German has scored two and assisted two in the six games he has faced them.
His poorest individual record is against Chelsea having netted just one goal in seven league games.
Overall, Ozil has faced the other big six sides 27 times in the Premier League over the last four seasons. Arsenal have won five, drawn 12 and lost 10. The Gunners have registered a win rate of 19 per cent and have averaged one point per game. The midfielder has contributed a total of five goals and seven assists in the ‘big games’.
Russell Cane