Arsenal and Mesut Ozil: The era that failed

When Arsenal signed Mesut Ozil in the summer of 2013, it signalled the ushering in of a new era. Four years later and a departure looming, that era has unequivocally failed.

September 2^nd, 2013. After another underwhelming, and trophy-less, year, during in which Arsenal saw their formerly prized possession in Robin van Persie fire Manchester United to the title, the frustrations of the fans and aggravations of the atmosphere, primarily directed towards Arsene Wenger, had reached their peak. The Emirates was far from a happy place.

Arsenal had neglected their responsibilities as a title-challenging club once more, choosing the frugal, less-worn path, not the one laden with money, and titles. The time for change was coming. You could sense it. But it came in the form that no one could have ever expected.

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Before Mesut Ozil made the deadline switch to North London, the Gunners’ record signing was Andrey Arshavin, at £15 million. Ozil cost £42 million. That, more than anything, was a sign that the intentions of the club had shifted. The financially tight times, as a consequence of the move to the Emirates, were drawing to a close; the illustrious era of titles and trophies and signings and success was to come. Or at least that was the hope. Four years later, that hope has been proved unfounded.

The Ozil signing was compared to that of Dennis Bergkamp in 1995. It was to signify the ushering in of a new era. Like Bergkamp in 95, who paved the way for the raft of Wenger-inspired stars that followed – Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, Robert Pires, Sol Campbell –, it was believed that Ozil, as a renowned, revered, and respected world-class footballing figure, would do the same. He did, to an extent. But the successes did not quite follow.

Although three FA Cups in four years is not to be scoffed at – Arsenal did go eight years without any trophy, after all – it does not represent the type and the quality of success that was anticipated, and that occurred following the Bergkamp signing.

Ozil, for all his reputation, failed to stimulate, instead, riding the wave of good form when those around him played well, and sinking when the team was unable to support his luxurious (read: lazy) style of play. He was rarely the instigator, the starter, the inspiration. A facilitator, yes. And a very good player. But he was not the leader, in talent or character. He left that to others.

And now, four years later and with less than a year remaining on his contract, it is the common belief that Ozil will depart this season, either in January, as Arsenal look to recoup any last scrapings of value for him, or in the summer, when Ozil will have full freedom over where he chooses to ply his trade next.

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The era of Ozil is coming to an end. And, unfortunately, that may not be a bad thing. In fact, it may be a good thing. The hopes and the dreams that came with his signing on September 2^nd, 2013 have not been realised. They never will be realised. History will detail of an ‘Ozil’ era. It is the best way to describe the last four years at Arsenal. But it will not tell of eminent glories and distinguished fame. It will tell of mediocrity and depreciation, and that, in the ruthless footballing world, must be called a failure.

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