Arsenal struggled to a 1-1 draw away against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The Gunners started well in this match against the Eagles in what was Mikel Arteta’s fifth game as manager, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang opening the scoring following a well-constructed move. However, a deflected Jordan Ayew strike levelled things up after the break, and Aubameyang’s dismissal for dangerous play all but ended the away side’s hopes of victory.
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Mesut Ozil started once again for the north London outfit. He has been an ever-present in the new boss’ starting line-up since the latter joined from Manchester City, with him having been included in all five first XIs.
There has been talk of a resurgence for the 92-time former Germany international, with some being impressed with his displays since the managerial change. However, against Roy Hodgson’s men, he was unable to exert any kind of influence on the game.
Playing in an attacking midfield role behind the striker, the 30-year-old spent the game as a passenger. He managed zero shots, zero key passes and zero dribbles, whilst he amassed a disappointing passing accuracy of 78.6%. This is often one of the best parts of his game – he has averaged 87.5% so far this campaign – but the fact that he was unable to excel even in this area, especially against a side that had just 33% possession in the first half, will no doubt worry Arteta.
The £19.8m-valued former Schalke man – as per Transfermarkt – was eventually taken off after 70 minutes following that red card, ending what was a miserable afternoon. Justin Hoyte recently said that Ozil is perfect for the new manager’s style of play, and in terms of the kind of player he is, that may very well be the case.
But he himself is just not that man. This may just be the beginning of a new era at the Emirates Stadium, but it has been a while since the number 10 has done anything to indicate that he will ever get back to his best – after all, this term he has just one assist in 12 Premier League starts.
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In December, it was reported by Fotomac (via The Daily Mail) that Ozil was close to a loan move to Fenerbahce. Arsenal should do whatever they can on their part to make that happen and put him out of his misery. Often criticised and in need of a new start, the sooner both he and the club can move on the better.
In other news, Arsenal fans urge the club to sign this 24-year-old.