There have been many times over the past four-and-a-half years where Arsenal fans would have been glad to see the back of Mesut Ozil. The German playmaker has flattered to deceive in multiple big matches since arriving at the Emirates Stadium from Real Madrid in the summer of 2013.
However, with just six months left because he’s free to walk away from the north London outfit, you’d do well to find a single Gunners supporter who’d be pleased to see Ozil leave the club. The 29-year-old has been in fine form of late and produced another excellent performance in Arsenal’s 2-2 draw against Chelsea on Wednesday evening.
While he didn’t get himself on the scoresheet or register an assist - Jack Wilshere and Hector Bellerin netted Arsenal’s two goals on the night - he was a constant threat in the attacking third of the pitch.
NEVILLE DROPPED TWEET ABOUT OZIL AFTER THE MATCH
One pundit who has been particularly critical of Ozil since he joined Arsenal is the former Manchester United captain Gary Neville. At times, Neville’s criticism of Ozil has been entirely justified. Arsenal fans would argue there have also been times when the Sky Sports pundit has been too hard on the World Cup winner.
Following the entertaining draw at the Emirates, Neville tweeted: “I enjoyed the game tonight. Some excellent attacking play on show from Arsenal . I’ve been critical of Ozil in the past but his performance tonight was wonderful.” It’s hard to disagree. Ozil was arguably Arsenal’s standout performer on the night.
NEVILLE HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD ABOUT OZIL ON HIS PODCAST
On his podcast, Neville continued to hit the nail on the head about Ozil.
“I have been critical at times about Mesut Ozil and his body language. He was wonderful tonight. He was absolutely wonderful,” Neville admitted.
“The way Ozil is playing. Like I say, I have been critical of him at times - I do believe that he has, body language wise, gone missing in matches.
“Tonight was an incredibly fantastic display. Intelligence, awareness on the half turn, causing big problems for attackers and defenders. When you think about the classic No. 10 position - of being in between midfield and defence - and sliding across that line where one thinks he’s got you but then he moves behind another and that player doesn’t quite look over his shoulder.
“It was a display that if any young player at home could get hold of our big camera that we have and just see his positions and his intelligence tonight was wonderful.”
HIGH PRAISE FROM NEVILLE
High praise indeed from Neville, who is the first to admit that he hasn’t always been impressed with Ozil’s contribution in an Arsenal shirt. The big question now, however, is: can Arsenal convince him to sign that contract extension?
(source from givemesport)