Arsenal Vs Wolves: 5 things we learned – Unai Emery, it is time
3. The Mesut Ozil dilemma continues
After making his first start in six matches against Liverpool in midweek, Unai Emery thrust Mesut Ozil straight into the starting line-up once again. The dilemma, then, continues to run.
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Ozil was Arsenal’s best player against Wolves, not that that is saying much. Calm and composed in possession, he tidily shifted the ball forward with accurate and clever passing. Roaming throughout the pitch at the tip of the midfield diamond, he was afforded the freedom to pick up the ball seemingly wherever he saw fit to best aid the team as they looked to play forward, progressive football. It was encouraging.
But if you were looking for conclusive proof that Ozil should be starting on a weekly basis, this was not the performance to provide it. He was perfectly capable, yes, but he was not special, and given that his defensive and pressing contributions are still lacking and he unbalances the central midfield trio that Emery wants to play, he must be more than just tidy.
For Ozil to be positively impactful, he must be special. And that is without considering his £350,000-a-week wages. And so far, he has not yet reached that level. He deserves more chances but doubts should still remain over his inclusion in the team.