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Arsenal: Mesut Ozil Facing Buffet Against West Brom
By Josh Sippie
Arsenal needs several things out of this hectic Christmas period, but they need nothing more than a return to form for Mesut Ozil. Thankfully, that’s coming.
The talk of North London recently has been Mesut Ozil’s struggles in his past two matches for Arsenal. Against both Everton and Manchester City (both on the road) the German maestro was not only underwhelming, he was a bit of a sorrowful little guy in the grand scheme of things.
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That’s only temporary, as we all know, but the sooner we can set that in stone, the better.
Those matches simply did not favor the German. It’s unfortunate that we have to think that way, but it’s the truth. High pressure, no room to breath and tired legs came together to form the perfect storm to disrupt Ozil’s day.
Going forward, priority No. 1 has to be getting Ozil back into ship-shape. Thankfully, with the full week of rest and the upcoming opponent, that should be much easier than we think.
West Brom is on the menu for Boxing Day and Mesut Ozil could not have asked for a better opponent. Despite the Baggies challenging for European berth, they still maintain the second lowest possession totals in the Premier League at just over 41% controlled. Only Burnley have less.
West Brom is essentially the exact opposite of everything that has stifled the Gunners in the past two matches. On paper, it looks like they will let Ozil breathe and let him survey the pitch before picking out the best possible option.
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As we know, when you give Ozil space and time, he cannot be stopped. He will find a way through, he will find a team mate, and goals will be had.
Not wanting to jinx this too much, it’s almost like Ozil is walking into a buffet. Everything is there for him – the complete meal. All he has to do is take it and eat it. Of course, that’s always easier said than done.
Arsenal has been known to botch things, but Ozil has to understand that to botch a home match against the Baggies, run by Tony Pulis, who has as much creativity as a wet sponge, is to invite the critics.
It’s easy to defend Ozil over the past two matches, but to defend him if he struggles against the Baggies? Not so much. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.
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Eat up, Mesut!