Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal Vs Liverpool: 5 key players to watch – Granit Xhaka’s big test

By Andrew Dowdeswell

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 11: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal in action during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Leicester City at Emirates Stadium on August 11, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 11: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal in action during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Leicester City at Emirates Stadium on August 11, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Mesut Ozil
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 29: Mesut Ozil of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his sides fourth goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Huddersfield Town at Emirates Stadium on November 29, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

3. Mesut Ozil

Mesut Ozil is a phenomenal player. While inconsistent and irregular, infuriating at various times throughout a season and a game, there are moments where his elegance and ingenuity make the heart flutter. He is a uniquely brilliant talent.

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Throughout his time at Arsenal, there have been questions regarding his commitment. Because of his somewhat languid style, many have derived it as being lethargy. And perhaps that is justified. But in recent weeks, there has been a different look about the German. Not only has he been playing at the high level that is expected of him, but he is doing so with a positive and industrious attitude. There is, though, one doubt that still remains: Can Ozil take a big game by the scruff of the neck and master it?

Take Kevin de Bruyne, for example. He has played five games against the five other members of the top six this season. He has three goals and four assists. He was named Man of the Match in all five games — Man-of-the-Match awards are a little contrived, so take that fact with a rather hefty pinch of salt.

Ozil, on the other hand, has played four games against top-six opposition this season (he missed the trip to Stamford Bridge). He has just one assist. Now, he also played excellently against Manchester United, where he failed to register a goal or assist. That is where goal and assist numbers do have their limitations. But it would be fair to say that he has failed to play his best football, for the most part, when it matters most. Can he change the tide on Friday?