Arsenal: Mesut Ozil for Alexis Sanchez a deal worth signing off on

Arsenal rumors are a tricky bunch, but the latest one, that Mesut Ozil will stay and Alexis Sanchez will go, is absolutely worth its weight in optimism.

This year was always going to be a big one for Arsenal, not least of all concerning where they might finish during Arsene Wenger‘s second-to-last season (we assume). It was also going to be huge because the two superstars that have come to define the era, Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, would determine their futures.

It has long been assumed that both would leave. It would take something special to get them to stay when they both at times appeared so unhappy. But now, recent rumors are indicating that only one will leave – Alexis Sanchez.

Meanwhile, it is being circulated that Ozil will sign a new deal and extend his stay in North London, while simultaneously backing up his statements from over the summer that he would prefer to remain a Gunner.

Mere weeks ago I would have been more than a tad frustrated. I wanted them both gone and, if we had to keep one, I would have wanted Alexis to say. But that has changed and it has changed quickly.

Seemingly overnight, when a show of character was required, Ozil stepped up and reacquired his world class form while Alexis still looks to be drilling himself into the ground like a frantic top. He can’t seem to get a grip on his form.

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The numbers are actually quite staggering. While Alexis has the upper hand on goals scored (four to two) Ozil has the upper hand in literally every other statistical category. Chances created naturally falls to Ozil 3.70 to 3.15, as does assists. But it really starts to get interesting moving forward from there.

Ozil is topping Alexis in tackles won per 90 (.78 to .61) as well as interceptions (.68 to .30). Total forward passes per 90 also falls to Ozil at roughly 40 to 30. In terms of plain old pass completion, Ozil wins again, 86% to 73%.

And don’t even get me started on possession loss.

Numbers don’t tell the whole story though. Watching Ozil on the pitch this past month or so, he just looks different. When things don’t go right, he gets angry. But not pouty angry, like Alexis does. Rather, inspired angry. Watch him against Manchester United, you’ll get what I mean.

It’s all about the body language. Funny how that has come full circle. Alexis has looked down and out more times than not while Ozil has really shaped up into looking like he is enjoying his football and, fun fact, when Ozil enjoys his football, so does the rest of the team. And the fans. And everyone that isn’t directly opposing him at that specific time.

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As such, if Ozil were to stay and Alexis were to go, I don’t think you would find many complaints.

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