Arsenal: Alexis Sanchez Overpowers Mesut Ozil

Arsenal saw past Hull City on Saturday afternoon thanks to two Alexis Sanchez goals. Mesut Ozil, however, toiled throughout, casting doubt over his future.

There has been a strong-running narrative this season for Arsenal centering on their many of their star players and even Arsene Wenger himself. The long-term futures of Wenger, Olivier Giroud, Per Mertesacker, Santi Cazorla and many others were all in doubt entering the year.

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However, none carried the same media focus of the duo of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez. With just two years left on their deals entering the year and significant rumours circling regarding possible departures and vulturing clubs, it was far from certain as to whether Wenger would be able to secure the futures of his most prized possessions.

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Add to this the numerous times that both have delayed contract negotiations and the reported eye-watering wage demands that the two are reportedly yearning for, and it is easy to see why their futures are in such a state of limbo. Although few doubt their significance and importance to the team, especially since Sanchez has been switched into a central role, meaning that he is more heavily involved in Arsenal’s overall play, both are playing to prove their value to the club.

Sanchez is doing that wonderfully, having scored both goals in the 2-0 win over Hull City on Saturday, a game in which Arsenal had to win to maintain their aspirations of a top four place. Ozil, meanwhile, toiled in his tight and intricate passing, failing to unpick the diligent Hull defence.

His uninspiring performance against Hull, combined with yet another anonymous display in an away game in which Arsenal were in desperate need of a win the week previous, and questions of his worth should be asked. Although he plays with a wonderful blend of creativity and precision, panache in his passing and intelligent in his movement, he is mentally weak, physically overpowered and lacks the fortitude to succeed.

In comparison, not only is Sanchez a wonderfully gifted player thanks to his technical and physical talents, but he is also gritty and determined, desperate to win, willing to criticise his teammates and lead his side.

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Sanchez possesses more character than his German counterpart, as evidenced by his two goals on Saturday. He overpowers the other Gunners star and is now far more deserving of a new contract than the underwhelming Ozil.