Arsenal Vs Liverpool: Did Mesut Ozil answer his biggest question?

The biggest question asked of Mesut Ozil is whether he performs in the big games, when it really matters. In Arsenal’s 3-3 draw against Liverpool, did he answer it?

The fate of Mesut Ozil is a curious one. A clearly talented footballer with moments of awe-inspiring skill and creativity, there has been an undying doubt that his performances and his influence are not that of a player of his irrefutable quality.

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It’s funny that for a player who is now in his fifth season at Arsenal, with drools of analytical articles spewing over his supposed ability or questioned impact, having been thrust into the heart of the limelight, with every nuance, every subtlety, every minute aspect scrutinised, there is very little known of his actual utility. He is still a controversial unknown, an ambiguity to be unravelled, a puzzle that is staring us in the face without a path to the solution.

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His fleeting form that flitters in and out of sumptuous displays and utter anonymity is part of why he is such an enigma. Many call him the ghost in the machine, the facilitator that is often overlooked because what he does is so suggestive and deft; others see him as lazy, lethargic, his languid, laid-back style betraying the effort that he, and his manager, claims to be present.

But in recent weeks, that latter stance has been put to the test. Not only is Ozil playing at his best, but he is doing so in a different manner. It seems stupid to say, but he just looks different. That same head-drooped, legs-dragging form has retreated for a more abrasive, combative, teeth-gritted, legs-pumping demeanour.  He still has his moments of grace and elegance — his gliding into the Liverpool penalty area, playing a lovely one-two with Alexandre Lacazette before deflecting the ball off the ground to bounce it up and over the onrushing Simon Mignolet was Ozillian in every sense of the word. But they are now paired with a grit and grizzle that was previously so painfully absent.

However, the German’s detractors still had one more flaw to highlight, to rest their hats on and build their critique with: His supposed inability to influence the biggest of games, to, as the saying goes, ‘take the match by the scruff of the neck’ and drive Arsenal to victory, just when it matters most.

Well, there have been few bigger games than Friday night. Liverpool entered just a point clear of Ozil and his comrades. Engine revving, exhaust spitting, the searingly quick Merseysiders blistered into form. Carving, cutting, sharp. They were excellent throughout. Arsenal less so. Or at least, Arsenal were less so bar a five-minute burst into life. And this burst was mastered by the majestic nature of Ozil.

From the 50th to 65th minute, a period in which Arsenal scored all three of their goals, Ozil had a 93% pass completion rate (for the full 90 minutes, his pass completion rate was just 83%), scored the aforementioned third goal, and boasted a 10.8% share of the possession. No other player had more than 7.6%. This was Ozil at his opulent, ostentatious best. But it was for just 15 minutes.

Next: Arsenal Vs Liverpool: 5 things we learned

So still, the fate of Mesut Ozil maintains its curiosity. Still, we do not know what this player is. Still, we wait for his quality to manifest itself as influence. Still, we wait for Ozil to truly deliver on his talent. And while we wait, we have the blithe, heart-fluttering joy of watching him play.