Arsenal Vs Rennes: Okay Mesut Ozil, what have you got?

Arsenal host Rennes in the second leg of their Europa League Round of 16 tie on Thursday night needing to overturn a 3-1, first-leg deficit. It is time for Mesut Ozil to show what he really has to offer.

The Europa League will never quite have the same gravitas the Champions League. On Tuesday, I was watching Ronaldo soar through the air to score yet another remarkable hat-trick to send his Juventus side into the quarter-finals against Atletico Madrid after losing the first 2-0. Whatever Arsenal do in the Europa League will never quite match that majestic brilliance.

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Nevertheless, Thursday night’s second leg against Rennes in the Round of 16 stage does set the stage for rather sensational to take place. A 3-1 deficit after the first leg. Capitulation as a result of Sokratis’ sending off. A place in the quarter-finals and one step closer to a European trophy a place in next season’s Champions League.

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And if there is a player who is most ready to provide the sublime, then it is Mesut Ozil.

It has been far from the ideal season for Ozil. Struggling to settle into Unai Emery’s system, reportedly falling out with the new Arsenal head coach, not exactly endearing himself to large portions of the fan base because of his £350,000-a-week wages. These have been the features of his year, not the wondrous creativity that he usually exhibits on a near-weekly basis. The going has been that bit tougher for the elegant, waltzing German.

The stage, therefore, is set. The redemption narrative demands it. So, what have you got, Mesut?

Ever since his return to the team against BATE Borisov three weeks ago, Ozil has been quietly very impressive. He has not provided those scintillating moments that everyone gushes over. But in a conservative, quiet, smoothing manner, his consistent passing, creativity, craft in and around the penalty area, the timing of his delivery and intelligent movement off the ball have had an impact on the Arsenal attack.

There is a reason that the Gunners have scored three, five, one and two goals in the four games that Ozil has started since his reinstation. Obviously, those improved goalscoring figures cannot solely be put down to Ozil’s presence. But simply watch the game. It is easy to see the unspoken, overlooked influence that he was having on the collective attack.

That said, he is still is lacking that starring performance, to truly announce his return to form. He has not had a Leicester City-type display yet, where his brilliance completely overtakes the game and mesmerizes everyone watching, hypnotising them into falling for his elegance and beauty.

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So what better stage than when Arsenal need him most? 3-1 down. A rescue is needed. What have you got, Mesut Ozil?

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