Arsenal: Mesut Ozil Shows Missing Title-Winning Virtue

Mesut Ozil has stated that he is confident Arsenal can still win the title. Such confidence is a virtue that he and his teammates have been missing.

As Arsenal’s title challenge has unravelled, primarily thanks to two successive away losses at Everton and Manchester City and the steamrolling form of league-leaders Chelsea, questions have arisen surrounding the historic repetition of their failings; the continual ability to ‘bottle’.

It is an incredible talent of the Gunners. Seemingly with unfailing regularity, they offer fans hope with some wonderfully incisive performances, beautifully ruthless in ripping teams apart, before snatching it away just as such hopes were beginning to turn to belief and, dare I say it, expectation.

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There has been much discussion as to why Arsenal have historically failed where so many others have succeeded. However, one prevailing comment that seemingly runs true is the mentality of the side. Mesut Ozil, when asked about the quickly dissipating title chances of this season, stated that, as history reads, it is not yet over for the North London outfit, claiming that they have a greater confidence in the squad:

"“Definitely not, the past has shown it. This time last year we were on top, and quite a few said that we could finally do it. Now it’s Chelsea in that role. There is a long way to go this season. We need a run, then you get to the front very quickly. I’m convinced that we can be at the top at the end of the season and achieve our target. We have more potential in the side with the new signings like Xhaka and Mustafi. And we have a better team spirit.”"

Arsene Wenger has long hailed the character of his squad. The many late game goals that have rescued them throughout the season seem to back such a statement. However, confidence in their consistency to perform over a full year is something that has perhaps been lacking in recent years.

Nevertheless, Ozil is claiming that he and his teammates have the confidence and the assuredness, steadfastly holding to the belief that they have the ability to haul their way back into the title race and ultimately sit on top come May.

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Ozil is ‘convinced’ that Arsenal can still win the Premier League. While that may seem ambitious, maybe even naive or deluded, the calmness that it brings to the side will be crucial in the second half of the season. Confidence has been the missing piece. Per Ozil, it may have been found.

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