Agan Arsenal embark on another European adventure....and again, this may all end in failure at the knockout stage. Without a true striker who has that killer instinct, I do NOT see Arsenal getting past Bayern, Barcelona, Madrid or Juventus as well as my young boys, Dortmund. But, BUT.....they have a maestro amongst their ranks. They have a guy that gets my SEAL OF GOLDEN APPROVAL.....enter the Ozil.
It starts tonight for Arsenal as they still search for the crown they kept close to capturing against Barcelona. In Ozil, they have a man that can be their heartbeat and inspiration to really go all the way. Yes, there is some unfinished business with the Premiership and that HAS to be a priority. This the club of the invincibles...so yes, they need to get on that. But, Ozil is a big time player who has shown his talents in both the World Cup and European Championships. He did not come here to settle for getting knocked out in the quarter finals.
I feel Ozil can go to the next level and at 24, he can ramp up his game to really be talked about as the TRUE elite. It's really up to Ozil to want it and really push Arsenal forward. In those big games, Arsenal just seem to cower with no leader on the pitch to inspire them. Ozil can be that man that can really rise in an away game with DEFINING the way Arsenal player. In those tight matches, all it needs is a genius pass that NOBODY else sees apart from Walcott who latches on and ACTUALLY PUTS IT IN THE NET (he missed about eighty against Sunderland on Saturday).
It's a tough group, and beating Marseille twice is imperative. Napoli and Dortmund will NOT be easy games, but this is exactly what Arsenal should want. Having it tough to begin with and thus having that edge and sharpness come the knockout stage.
All eyes will be on Ozil now, who is the true star of the team. Arsenal will be looking to him to get the team going and be that leader on the pitch like a Pirlo and Zidane. I personally feel Ozil is good enough to be the man that can win them the trophy. What is missing is Wenger TELLING him he can do so. It's not just about playing well, but having that desire to WIN the game for the Gunners.
But...an actual striker who can run with the ball and be a presence in the box would actually be of some help...just saying....
HH
