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Arsenal: Mesut Ozil’s Latest Goal Changes Everything
By Josh Sippie
Arsenal emerged victorious after a late goal from Mesut Ozil. Can we all take a moment to marvel at how much that one goal chances things?
Arsenal handed a two goal lead to Ludogorets, but they scraped two back, leveling things before half. However, a draw was obviously not going to be good enough, so the later the game got, the more tension increased and desperation set in.
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Yet, when Mesut Ozil slotted home that last goal, ‘tension’ and ‘desperation’ were the last things that came to mind. It was pure composure, pure guile and pure confidence. The German maestro never looked for a second like any of it came from a stroke of fortune or a lucky bounce. He planned it all and drilled it.
It takes me back to a similar situation he faced against Sunderland where he seemingly chipped a panic-stricken shot well within range of Jordan Pickford who saw it away. However, the goal against Ludogorets was a bit more important.
It really got me wondering – is it possible that Ozil has become a guy who can twist the dagger into our opponent? Is he the cold-blooded finisher we’ve been waiting for? Because I’ll tell you this much, I don’t think anyone else on Arsenal could have done what Ozil did there. Even Alexis had a bit of a heavy touch on the day, so I’m not entirely convinced he could have.
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That goal showed everything we could have wanted. His cool flip to beat the keeper and his composure under pressure to fake out the two Bulgarian defenders was simply phenomenal, and I don’t usually lose my head over one goal. Still, I can’t help but feel like Ozil may have had a point to prove with that goal. As in, do that consistently and this will be the last time he is ever snubbed on the finalists list on that one stupid award that is reserved for Messi and Ronaldo.
Mesut Ozil, if he can really solidify this goal-scoring thing he has suddenly adopted, could get that legendary status in North London like many say will elude him. And the assists have kicked off now too. Of course, the next step to that is extending his stay, but until that time comes, the goals are a good byproduct.
I like this Mesut Ozil. And given his track record, I can put a lot of faith in it continuing.