Arsenal Vs Watford: Mesut Ozil has a second chance

Mesut Ozil still needs to convince away from home. He fluffed his lines at Everton last Sunday. Now the Arsenal midfielder has a second chance against Watford on Monday.

The Mesut Ozil resurgence is still ongoing. After struggling to fit into Unai Emery’s revolution at Arsenal, Ozil returned to the starting line-up on 21st February against BATE Borisov, with the Gunners needing to overturn a one-goal deficit after a humiliating first-leg defeat.

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Ever since that appearance, he has very quietly but very effectively re-established himself as one of the key players under Emery’s guidance. He has now started the last six matches in succession, playing at a high level in all of them but one. The only match that he failed to deliver in was last Sunday’s trip to Everton.

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For many years, one of the major critiques regarding Ozil’s performance and value has been his inability to travel well. Because of perceived mental fragilities and his languid, often lazy style, he is not the most useful player to have when battling for a smash-and-grab victory on the road. In this recent resurgence, all of his good performances but one have come at the Emirates. If there was still one doubt that hung over his place in the team, it is what he could do away from north London.

If last Sunday’s display against Everton was anything to go by, it would be more than reasonable to conclude that Ozil has not yet solved his issues on the road. Admittedly, the whole team struggled that day and Ozil was offered little attacking foundation by a lacklustre midfield in support of him. But his individual showing was still concerning, hooked after 74 minutes.

But on Monday night, when Arsenal travel to the equally daunting Vicarage Rd to face the equally dangerous Watford, Ozil has a second chance to change the narrative, whether it is true or not, that he cannot play well away from home.

As proven last season when Watford overturned a one-goal deficit to bully their way past a limp Arsenal and win 2-1, this is no easy match. And it is the precise type that Ozil would typically struggle in. A raucous, ferocious atmosphere. A physical, athletic opponent. The pressure of a top-four race firmly on.

Emery has entrusted key matches to Ozil in recent weeks. And other than one, he has been repaid handsomely. Ozil has been one of the best, most influential players since late-February. But predominantly, he has been playing in conditions and against opponents that suit his style. Monday night will be nowhere near his comfort zone. Can he step up to the challenge?

Ozil is yet to fully win over his doubters. He is getting there. But still, some remain who question his desire, consistency, and attitude away from home. He now has a second chance to break down one of those criticisms. He cannot afford to fluff his lines once again.