So here we are. We've seen Ozil make a great impact in an Arsenal team hitting their stride and sitting at the top of the league. Ozil has already drawn praise from all who has seen his excellent footballing brain. But, it's fair to say Ozil has not yet faced a "real" threat in the league. We saw him against Dortmund, and it was that same old problem. For all the skill he possesses and how well he can read the football pitch...does he lack the heart of a champion?
When Arsenal needed him, he only came in spurts against Dortmund. It was a vital match and we didn't see Ozil take command of the game. It was the same thing in that Euro final against Italy. Germany were shellshocked by Super Mario and they needed a response. Ozil just seemed to drift in and out of the game without really be the driving force of Germany's fightback.
Now, we have Arsenal's first proper test. They are at home to a Liverpool team that is flying with the most lethal strike partnership in the Premiership. Liverpool are coming to the Emirates to WIN and show that they are here to compete for the title. So it is up to Ozil to be the antithesis to Suarez. You can rest assure Suarez will show up, so Ozil will need to play at an even higher level and really be the nucleus of ALL things that Arsenal do.
We understand how Ozil can pick a pass, and how he can get the rhythm of an attack going with his one-twos. But Ozil's game must evolve. He needs to add an attacking element to his game and really drive into defences. Simply relying on passes may not be enough if Liverpool bring their A-game to the Emirates. We may need to see a lot more from the German, to really raise the performances of the Arsenal team.
And so we see what Saturday evening brings. If Ozil gets quietened in the game, there is a great chance Arsenal succumb and they lose. If Ozil plays well, and he is a commanding presence for much of the game, I believe that Arsenal's quality will be too much for Liverpool to handle. It was something you saw when Cazorla was introduced against Dortmund and Arsenal did everything BUT SCORE THE DAMN GOAL.
It should be a good game and I will be looking at Ozil especially to shine, because THESE are the games that may determine where the title ends up in May. Ozil....RISE THE HELL UP!
HH
