The German international has been the focal point of fans’ misgivings in recent weeks, with Daily Mirror reporter and Arsenal fan John Cross admitting that there is now a situation where Gooners are starting to question the princely £42.5m sum paid for him this summer.
However, fans, pundits and press shouldn’t be so hard on Arsenal's record-signing. While his performance in the Champions League first leg against Bayern was below par, Tuesday’s return match was supposed to be his shot at redemption.
Prior to the trip to Bavaria, Ozil had registered two near 90-minute appearances, first pulling the strings and setting up the only goal of the game as Germany beat Chile 1-0, and then putting on a match-winning display, including scoring the opening goal, as Arsenal beat Everton in the FA Cup.
Since arriving at Arsenal at the beginning of September, he has featured in 35 of Arsenal’s 39 fixtures in all competitions, so it should be no surprise to see that the playmaker is perhaps a little jaded.
His inclusion for the Champions League second-leg was touch and go, with Arsene Wenger concerned over Ozil’s complaint of a tight hamstring.
Wenger gambled on playing him, but as was quickly apparent, he wasn’t in any condition to be continually chasing possession as Bayern dominated the ball.
That should not be used as another stick to beat a player, who many seem to forget is in his first season at the club.
During his short spell in England, Ozil’s impact creatively has been very impressive, while his arrival seemed to galvanise the Gunners’ early on.
It has to be remembered that Ozil is just one man, and talented he may be, he cannot transform the club’s fortunes alone. His signing is a positive sign that Arsenal are going in the right direction and are still able to attract the world’s best.
While he may not be the finished article just yet, there is certainly time for Ozil to win over the Arsenal doubters.
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