Arsenal: 5 squad depth questions opened by Rob Holding
2. Mesut Ozil’s mystery injuries
When Mesut Ozil is on song, there is an almost artistic feel to his football. Just ask Leicester City this season.
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But then Ozil also has games where he is basically invisible, and not in a good way. Once upon a time,the Gunners were a team that had central attacking midfielders bustling in the squad. Today, they have but three – Ozil, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Emile Smith Rowe.
Ozil’s latest absence seems to be down to a back injury. Unfortunately, even Emery isn’t sure. With Mkhitaryan having a poor season (that swap deal seems to have damaged every party involved), Emery would be hard pressed to find his No. 10.
Yes, Emile Smith Rowe has been effective whenever called upon, but much like Nketiah, Emery can’t depend on him to give 30-40 consistently high performances.
Alex Iwobi is a more natural fit, but his dodgy final product makes him a bigger gamble than he should be. Emery also seems to have given up the idea of plugging Ramsey in that role (Hence, the contract retraction).
Finally, No. 1.