adminTHE Germany international could be out for as long as three months with a knee injury, but will the Gunners struggle without their €50 million man? Mesut Ozil’s arrival at Arsenal on transfer deadline day in September 2013 was heralded outside the Emirates Stadium, a dedicated corner of fans waiting up until the late hours to laud the €50 million signing over the rest of the football-watching public in front of live television cameras.
But just over a year later, the news that the playmaker could be out of action with a knee injury for as many as three months has not been viewed as the devastating blow it might have been. The Germany international made an explosive start at Arsenal, providing an assist for Olivier Giroud on his debut, a 3-1 win against Sunderland, before having a hand in all three goals in a victory over Stoke.
But Ozil’s influence gradually dwindled last season. A penalty miss in a poor showing during a home defeat to Bayern Munich was the low point of a mixed bag of a debut season.
Ozil has been heavily scrutinised – somewhat unfairly at times – ever since, much in the same way as the present-day Arsenal sides which fail to live up to their Invincible past.
For all the criticism thrown Ozil’s way, the German stacks up well statistically so far this season against those who may take up a similar position in the side during his long term absence.
The former Real Madrid man has created more chances (14) than Aaron Ramsey, who faces at least another fortnight out through injury, as well as Santi Cazorla, Alexis Sanchez and Jack Wilshere.
Only Wilshere has completed as many dribbles as the 25-year-old (17), while none of Arsenal’s midfield options have been trusted with as many minutes on the pitch by Wenger. And now Arsene Wenger must explore his options without him ahead of the clash with Hull City tomorrow. Perhaps chief among them is Alexis, the latest big-money arrival at the Emirates with a similarly big reputation to Ozil, having been allowed to leave Barcelona despite a strong showing at the World Cup.
Alexis has played both wide on the right and as the central striker for Arsenal, scoring five goals in his first 11 competitive games. But the Chilean also found himself out of the starting XI against Tottenham as he continues to adapt to life in England.
The former Barca man certainly has the pace and power to thrive in the Premier League, but whether he possesses that uncanny ability to spot the killer pass and find a striker in the blink of an eye remains to be seen. – Sky News.
Online Reporter