Arsenal: Mesut Özil’s absence was disappointing for multiple reasons

Mesut Özil missing Arsenal’s match-up against Burnley was disheartening for numerous reasons. However, everyone was frustrated with his absence for one glaring reason.

Mesut Özil made the trip to Burnley last weekend with his fellow Arsenal teammates. The team was looking to build on their terrific performance against their local rival, Tottenham, the weekend prior.

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Unfortunately, the German was unable to participate in the teams 1-0 victory over The Clarets. Before the game, Arsene Wenger was informed that his chief creator could not feature due to illness.

This was unfortunate news for the team and the fans. The team could have used Özil’s world-class creativeness to break down a stubborn Burnley backline. Maybe if he played, Arsenal would have beaten Burnley before injury time for once.

Although Özil was missed just for his pure skills, we also missed him because we wanted to see how he would build off of his NLD performance the week prior. Would we have seen a similar performance with him showing a much-improved work rate, or would he have just fallen back into his usual nonchalant style without the expressed desire?

When will he return?

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Unfortunately, Wenger revealed after the game that Özil will be doubtful for the weekday encounter with Huddersfield. Although, he might not have played this game anyway, due to Arsenal’s colossal matchup with Manchester United on Saturday.

If Özil and the rest of the team performed with the competitive, resolute spirit they showed last weekend against Spurs, then there is no reason that the Gunners can’t finish inside the top 4. The team will especially need to display those performances when they travel to a top six side.

Much like how Alexis Sánchez has an influence on the team with his work rate and competitiveness, Özil can also be contagious to the other players too, if they see him going in for tackles and closing down the ball quickly.

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Thankfully Özil was not needed to secure a win against Burnley. The Gunners will need him in the clash against United. Hopefully, we see a repeat performance of the one he displayed against Tottenham.