Arsenal: Mesut Ozil needs to hear about the hierarchy too

Arsenal have apparently made it clear to Alexis Sanchez that there is no hierarchy putting him above anyone else. Does that also apply to Mesut Ozil?

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was very clear (well, somewhat clear) that there is no hierarchy for Alexis Sanchez. Meaning, as far as I can tell, that he is not above reproach and that he is just as susceptible to being replaced as anyone else.

I admire this stance, and I think that Wenger has been pretty on top of it. I wonder how much Alexis really has been “hurt” because in numerous episodes in the past, Alexis was played no matter what, no question, if he wanted to play, he’d play.

So something changed.

I’m not trying to sound like a hater, because that isn’t my reason for pointing this out, but I hope that Mesut Ozil is also aware of this hierarchy, or lack thereof. Not because he hasn’t been effective. He has created the most chances in the Premier League.

But because there are certain matches that aren’t conducive to his style of player. There are certain matches where Ozil is ineffective and needs to be subbed.

We often accuse Arsene Wenger of playing favorites, and for as far as I can tell, Ozil is the last remaining favorite that Wenger plays. Even Theo Walcott is finding that he isn’t grandfathered into the system anymore.

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Sometimes Ozil just isn’t having it out there. Lately, that hasn’t been the case. He looked extra inspired against Bournemouth.

But that won’t last forever. Ozil’s cold streaks are tough to weather and unfortunately, Wenger has a habit of leaving Ozil in for the full 90, no questions asked. Hence my claim of favoritism.

I’m not trying to sound cynical. I just really appreciate the approach that we are taking to Alexis, especially as he doesn’t feel like the greatest fit for the squad anymore and as such, has been used sporadically and in lesser competitions.

As strange as it sounds, Alex Iwobi has been looking very similar to Ozil as of late and we can’t rule out the possibility of moving Aaron Ramsey forward to get a different approach the attack. Or, if we are really feeling creative, swapping to a 4-4-2 wouldn’t be the worst exploration ever.

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All I’m saying is that I feel that Ozil has been without reproach for the past few years. And if we are past that point with Alexis, then we should be with Ozil too.

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