Arsene Wenger decided to drop Mesut Ozil from today’s 4-1 win over Sunderland after the German revealed he still hasn’t recovered from his penalty miss against Bayern Munich three days ago.
The £42 million man hasn’t come under immense scrutiny after some under-par performances since the turn of the year and the pressure seems to have finally got to him.
Since his arrival to Arsenal last summer, the 25-year-old has featured regularly for Arsene Wenger’s side, starting 30 of his 32 appearances in all competitions so far this season.
But Ozil has been off the boil as of late and his performance against Bayern signified to Wenger that maybe his record signing needs a rest – and the Frenchman gave him one today.
However, was he right to drop the German international? More importantly, how long should Wenger rest him for?
To answer the initial question asked, Wenger was right to keep Ozil out of the squad today. He was clearly feeling the strain and was in desperate need of a rest, and against Sunderland at home was the perfect time for it.
But when should Wenger recall him back?
Well personally, I wouldn’t like to see Ozil out of action for too long – it wouldn’t be ideal for a player who wants to prove his worth and his doubters wrong. Too much time out could be a bad thing, and I’m sure Wenger wouldn’t rush him back if he is not well rested.
Our next game is a week away against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium and I wouldn’t think that this would be an ideal fixture for the ‘physically weak’ Ozil to play in. So I think Wenger should leave him out until the following game against Everton in the FA Cup quarter-final.
As I said, Ozil needs a rest and I’m glad Wenger gave him that today but you don’t want to see a classy player out for too long. Another game out should be enough as the German will also want to set things right.
You say this like it was a stroke of genius from the boss. I’ve been saying for the pass 6 games that Ozil needs a rest.
With the options we have we could have afforded to give Ozil a rest against the lower teams keeping him fresh for the big games.
The boss has not managed him ( Ozil ) well at all.
Good 4 him and the team to have a rest
Methinks Özil is a world class player and needs our support not criticism and high expectations from him,maybe he needs 2 games off and refresh his fatigue before return Champions league in Arenas Stadium home of bayern munchén…
I dont rate him. Overpriced. Nice gestuse by Dennis, who in my opinion is the best Arsenal player since Chapman. We need a physically present midfielder to throw a bit of aggression about.
Lee Chapman?
Mesut Ozil needs rest not just for his physical fatigue but mental recovery.
Let’s not underrate him either , he is a super footballer whose mistakes are more published than what he does best.
He has good record assists and clinical finishes that leave no doughty he is a super buy .
Mesut Ozil apart from two Match rest needs to be cheered up to show his prowess than such critism.