Arsenal Vs West Brom: 5 things we learned - Mesut Ozil: Where art thou?

Arsenal Vs West Brom: 5 things we learned – Mesut Ozil: Where art thou?

WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 31: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal celebrates as his free kick deflects off James McClean of West Bromwich Albion for their first goal during the Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Arsenal at The Hawthorns on December 31, 2017 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /

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LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 16: Mezut Ozil of Arsenal runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on December 16, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

2. Mesut Ozil is a necessity

Arsenal, on Sunday, were without Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla and Mesut Ozil. Arguably, they are the Gunners’ three best players in possession of the ball. It is difficult to replicate their creative and controlling influence when none of them are present. It was extremely obvious against West Brom.

In particular, it was Ozil’s impact that was noticeable. Arsenal had a lot of possession — 65% to be precise. Their problems weren’t in necessarily getting or keeping the ball. No midfielder or defender had a pass completion rate less than 80%. Their problems were in the creation of chances. They played on 10 key passes all game. Ozil alone has had games of eight key passes this season.

And the German holds another rather impressive accolade: He has created more chances than any other player in Europe’s top-five leagues in the whole of 2017. That is proof of the influence that he has on this team. His absence was hard-felt. Let’s hope he’s fit enough to feature against Chelsea, because, right now, he is nothing short of a necessity.