With his all action performance at Old Trafford in the FA cup, the Arsenal and Germany star Mesut Özil even made the former Man United midfielder Paul Scholes eat his words. The pundit’s recent criticism of our club record signing was, for me, based more on his price tag and the performances of the playmaker in the early part of this season and the second half of the last one.
Because since returning to the Arsenal team in January after months out with a knee injury, Özil has been much more effective for the Gunners, whether in the middle or playing as a wide forward. A Daily Star report reveals the secret of this success, according to the player, and it appears that his injury may have been a blessing in disguise.
The 26-year old used his time on the sidelines well, working hard in the gym to increase his upper body strength and make himself more able to stand up to the very physical type of football that the Premier League is famous for. Özil was obviously aware that he was not affecting games as he should have been and so he was determined to put that right.
He said, “I wanted to be as fit as possible when I returned after my injury. I worked on my upper body as well as paying attention to my nutrition.
“I underwent treatment to get myself fit as soon as possible and to prevent the injury from returning. I’m on a good path now.
“I worked really hard and I think it shows in training and in matches that I’m fresher. I’m really happy to be back on the pitch and able to do what I most love.”
Three goals and four assists since his comeback is not a bad return at all, even though it should and could have been more, but it is not the whole story by any means. Ozil’s fitness, strength and hard work, combined with his vision and technical ability, are the cement that have been holding together the Arsenal team and making us such a hard team to play against.
Now help us get through to the next Champions League stage, Mesut, and all will be forgiven.
Now that Ramsey is back, who drops out of the team? Because for me a fit and ready Ramsey starts in his CM/B2B position, we are going to need his athleticism, and his constant runs all game, he is a goal threat and drives us.. Ramsey gives us so much energy and balance.
The Monaco game later today is made for him, The Coq and Ramsey’s hard work is going to be needed.
So it is between Cazorla and Ozil for that free role position, and I would go for Cazorla if I was to choose. Ozil has done well since he has been back but I feel like we are going to need energetic / athletic players in this game if we are to have a chance.
Outfield players (Giroud, Welbeck, Sanchez, The Coq, Ramsey, Cazorla, Rosicky, The Ox (when fit)) would suit this game.
And if Gabriel (The Vampire) was fit I would have gone for him ahead of Merte, I know we are going to be hit on the counter like it or not, Kossy and The Vamp can look after themselves pace wise. This game does not suit Merte, we need to attack so we need pacy defenders. If we didn’t have to win then Merte would be fine.
I know it’s going to be near impossible for us go through but lets give it all we got.
Come on you Gunners..
🙂
we can build from here by bringing in more quality players to rotate and compete
Reus, Isco, Draxler, Bender, Kondgabia……
I’ve been more impressed with him putting a stamp on games. He’s been pretty consistent in chance creation and potentially game changing moments since joining which is exactly what he was brought in to do. But dictating the play, tempo and playing the games on his terms has been beautiful to watch.
Off subject
Why are we not in the hat for clubs interested in Pogba?
Forget the transfer fee; Someone will have to pay Pogba 250K per week.
ARSENAL CANNOT AFFORD THAT.
Pogba is bound for a SuperClub. We are NOT a Super club.
Kronke just can’t sell oil and pay for Pogba’s weekly wage, or sell more gas from Russia.
the new tv deal enables each club to pay up to 500k per week
in addition we have 3 billionaires…..
signing Pogba shldnt be a prob
Lets see that form against monaco in france mesut! Coyg!
Interesting question on who plays with Rambo fit and in-form.
Ospina
Bellerin Gab Kos Monreal
Rambo Coquelin
Santi Ozil Sanchez
OG
Bench: Theo, Welbz, Mert, Gibbs, Flamini, Scz
Needless to say the positional switching in the attacking will have the defenders chasing shadows – so they can’t mark but need to mark zones. This is any defenders nightmare! Rambo can have a very interesting evening by occupying the attention of Kondogbia and stop him from his forward runs. Very few players have the lungs to keep up with Rambo – no one at Monaco for sure. He will run them ragged. There is simply too much movement for any team to handle – we just have to be incisive when the inevitable crack appears. Rambo is like having 11.5 players on the pitch with the running he puts in!
Depending on how high a defensive line they play in the second half…Theo and/or Welbz on in the 2nd half when the FB’s are tired and burn them with pace. if they sit deep then there’s no point in Theo coming on from a tactical perspective. He doesn’t have the dribbling skills to penetrate unlike Ox.
I like your lineup, but I’m not 100% about having both cazorla and ozil in the attacking three for this game. It doesn’t matter how high monaco’s line is, if we have somebody who runs in behind their defence to the by line and puts in low crosses for giroud to tap in we will score goals. That’s where welbeck or theo on the wings will come in handy in this game – unless ozil can be instructed to do that which he can definitely do.
theres no pace
Fool and utd are both eyeing 2nd spot….
its gona be tight….
we will prob end up 4th again
ospina
Bellerín koss mert monreal
. coq Ramsey
Özil. cazorla Alexis
. Giroud
I still can’t believe we have ozil, cazorla and Sanchez as AM. Amazing
Ozils creativity is too much to b dropped.i wonda y ppll say ds games are nt 4 im,buh dats y we bought im.to create goals..Monaco pitch is smal,xo we nid a creative ozil,disciplined cazorla,running ramsey to score.