Rejuvenated Mesut Ozil Papers over Cracks for Arsenal in Leicester Win

EMIRATES STADIUM, LONDON — A substandard Arsenal edged past Leicester City with a 2-1 win on a tense night at the Emirates Stadium. At the full-time whistle, Arsene Wenger confessed to Nigel Pearson that his side had been “a bit lucky.” He may also have had a private word with Mesut Ozil, whose first-half excellence ensured Arsenal had the necessary cushion to survive Leicester’s late onslaught.

Arsenal’s defeat against Tottenham in Saturday’s north London derby masked another telling contribution from Ozil. His technically adept volley made it three goals in as many games for the World Cup winner.

Ozil did not find the net against Leicester, although he did force Mark Schwarzer to make an excellent first-half save with one-toe-poked effort. He did, however, return to his more customary habit of providing goals for others—Ozil will be credited with assists for both Arsenal goals.

First, his corner from the right-hand side found Laurent Koscielny, who tucked home neatly at the near post. Then, a long-range Ozil shot was parried out as far as Theo Walcott, who volleyed in the rebound with startling efficiency.

The very fact that Ozil took that shot on was a signal of his growing confidence. Last season, he occasionally appeared loath to take responsibility in the final third, looking for a pass when shooting seemed more straightforward. Now, there is a renewed conviction to his game. The swagger that made him a global star is returning.

Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

His time on the sidelines appears to have been beneficial. First of all, it granted him the opportunity to undertake some necessary gym work. This iteration of Ozil is markedly bigger, stronger and more able to cope with robust Premier League defenders.

It also seems to have enabled him to give some thought to his new position at Arsenal. In the early part of the season, Ozil looked lost on the left wing. Now, he seems to be relishing the freedom granted to him by being part of Arsenal’s front three rather than their midfield contingent.

Against Leicester, he rotated regularly with Walcott and Alexis Sanchez, even spending an extended period of the second half playing as a false nine.

Ozil’s moments of inspiration were the only stylish moments in what was a poor Arsenal performance. The derby defeat appeared to weigh heavy on the Gunners’ minds and legs. They looked drained of confidence and energy, and Leicester undoubtedly left the Emirates Stadium knowing that with better finishing they would have snatched at least a point.

There were also concerning injuries for Sanchez and Aaron Ramsey, the latter picking up his third hamstring problem of the season. Debate over the merits of Arsenal’s medical department is certain to continue—in his post-match press conference, Wenger appeared dumbfounded by Ramsey’s latest set-back.

This will not be remembered as a vintage night at the Emirates. That the most impressive performance, apart from Ozil, came from defensive midfielder Francis Coquelin tells you something about the pressure Arsenal found themselves under against the league’s bottom side. However, Arsenal did get a vital three points in the race for Champions League qualification.

The greatest satisfaction Gunners fans will take from this evening may derive from events at Anfield, where a late Mario Balotelli goal saw Liverpool beat Tottenham. That means Arsenal have now leapfrogged Spurs to get back into the top four. The north London "power shift" some identified at the weekend appears to have been spectacularly short-lived.

 

James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and is following the club from a London base throughout the 2014-15 season. Follow him on Twitter here.