Arsenal 1-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers: 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis

#2 Mesut Ozil strengthens his case for inclusion with a sound showing

Mesut Ozil

Mesut Ozil has endured a pretty topsy-turvy 2019-20 season. Even before the term began proper, the German was the subject of a horrendous robbery attempt. And, to pile further misery, Emery looked the other way when Ozil became available for selection.

However, in an interesting turn of events, the Spaniard handed the World Cup winner only his second Premier League start of the season and it’s fair to say that the German fared rather decently.

Ozil was at the heart of everything good the Gunners did offensively and he linked the midfield and attack brilliantly. Moreover, his tendency to drift across the pitch made it difficult for Wolves to mark him as the German always bought himself an extra split-second.

Most promisingly though, the midfielder was willing to put in the hard yards defensively; a sight not many have been fortunate enough to witness. On numerous occasions, Ozil tracked back to help out his central midfielders and even pressed vigorously.

For a majority of the current season, the German’s lack of work rate has been touted as a possible reason for Emery to overlook him. However, if the midfielder can combine a bit of steel with the unmistakable skill he possesses, he could still propel himself as an extremely vital cog of Arsenal’s wheel.

And, though it would be too premature to jump to conclusions after one encounter, the Arsenal faithful were certainly impressed with the application Ozil displayed.