Twitter Reacts as Mesut Ozil Inspires Arsenal to Win over Manchester City

Arsenal moved to within two points of Leicester City at the top of the Premier League with a 2-1 win over Manchester City on Monday.

The two sides started the day separated by one point, looking to close the gap on the surprise leaders: 

"

Looking forward to watching the battle for 2nd place.

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) December 21, 2015"

"

I like that the 'Battle for Second at Christmas' is suddenly a thing #ARSMCI

— Caroline Cheese (@CarolineCheese) December 21, 2015"

As usual, Sky Sports' Monday Night Football coverage provided plenty of talking points:

"

Carragher: "Ozil turns games, Silva runs games." Is that the difference? #AFC #MCFC

— Jack Rathborn (@JackRathborn) December 21, 2015"

"

Great stuff from Henry on MNF highlighting key difference between Guardiola's Barcelona and Van Gaal's United: freedom in the final third

— Greg Lea (@GregLeaFootball) December 21, 2015"

While Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech was chasing a Premier League record:

"

Former Man City striker David James hoping Petr Cech doesn't break his PL clean sheet record tonight pic.twitter.com/Kd5LV5QCWV

— Duncan Alexander (@oilysailor) December 21, 2015"

The game got off to an unspectacular start:

"

'Absorbing' game so far at the Emirates... pic.twitter.com/PLJBd8V0J2

— JOE.co.uk (@JOE_co_uk) December 21, 2015"

"

When Kevin De Bruyne kicking a corner flag is the best moment of a match you thought would be a classic #ARSMCI pic.twitter.com/argIINSKxG

— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) December 21, 2015"

"

110% pic.twitter.com/z12I22rTBV

— Duncan Alexander (@oilysailor) December 21, 2015"

Before Arsenal took the lead through Theo Walcott:

"

Goal at the Emirates #ARSMCI pic.twitter.com/IejmsWDBAU

— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) December 21, 2015"

"

#thierryhenryesque

— Alex Stone (@AlexStone7) December 21, 2015"

The identity of the provider was no surprise:

"

Theo Walcott curls in a beauty from the edge of the box. Another assist for Mesut Ozil, albeit one of his less memorable ones.

— Tom Williams (@tomwfootball) December 21, 2015"

"

Mesut Ozil now as many Premier League assists as Tim Sherwood.

— Duncan Alexander (@oilysailor) December 21, 2015"

And before long it was 2-0:

"

HT: Arsenal 2-0 Manchester City. Walcott (Ozil assist) & Giroud (Ozil assist) pic.twitter.com/Gi5VuD0Ev9

— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) December 21, 2015"

"

Giroud's goal - Arsenal's second - set up by Ozil, the assist-meister, and shoots goes through Joe Hart's legs. City dishevelled. 2-0 ht.

— Paul Hayward (@_PaulHayward) December 21, 2015"

"

Arsenal's finishing is Leicester City good today

— Nooruddean (@BeardedGenius) December 21, 2015"

Mesut Ozil was running the show:

"

Ozil just five assists away from equalling PL record set by Henry...way City are defending he could match it tonight

— Simon Johnson (@sjstandardsport) December 21, 2015"

"

Trying to figure out how many assists “jury’s still out on him” Mesut Ozil will provide tonight. #Moyes https://t.co/brXLP9hDIr

— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) December 21, 2015"

"

Somewhere at home David Moyes is watching Mesut Ozil, waiting for the jury to come back with a verdict.

— Mark Patterson (@MarkPattersonBR) December 21, 2015"

"

HT: 2-0 to Arsenal. Ozil's 14th and 15th assists of the season allowing Wenger to dream again... pic.twitter.com/QkD615BQgr

— JOE.co.uk (@JOE_co_uk) December 21, 2015"

"

If Özil could assist with the rest of my Christmas shopping that would be great. #ARSMCI

— 888sport (@888sport) December 21, 2015"

The second half started much like the first had ended, with City's big stars struggling:

"

Nicolas Otamendi and Eliaquim Mangala cost Manchester City a combined £60m... pic.twitter.com/cNfx1L7QA7

— SportlobsterFootball (@Football_SL) December 21, 2015"

"

Mangala is terrible.

— Manoli (@xM20x) December 21, 2015"

"

How is mangala a premier league centre half and I'm not?

— Paul (@paullyg1993) December 21, 2015"

"

Yaya needs a mobility scooter.

— Dave Kidd (@davekiddmirror) December 21, 2015"

"

Yaya is City's Cesc, undeniable quality, but now so tough to incorporate in the big games

— Jack Rathborn (@JackRathborn) December 21, 2015"

Before Yaya Toure gave them a lifeline with a stunning finish:

"

Did Yaya really mean to do that? Impressive if he did

— Robert Rea (@robertrea) December 21, 2015"

"

That is an extraordinary finish from Toure!

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) December 21, 2015"

That goal led to a nervy finish for the home side:

"

#ThatMomentWhen Arsenal fans begin to enjoy themselves https://t.co/nZe9r13Nj2

— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) December 21, 2015"

Arsenal held on to cement their position as title favourites:

"

Very impressive win for #afc, but #mcfc very poor for the middle hour. Arsenal should be real contenders in this crazy season.

— Matt Hughes (@MattHughesTimes) December 21, 2015"

"

big win for Arsenal...surely favourites for the title now...the fans and players are celebrating like they think so

— Simon Johnson (@sjstandardsport) December 21, 2015"

"

No disrespect (loads of disrespect) to Leicester, but has to be Arsenal's greatest chance. City waiting for Pep, United light years away.

— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) December 21, 2015"

"

Two pts behind Leicester, four ahead of City, this must be Arsenal's best shot at title since 07-08. With players to come back too.

— Jack Pitt-Brooke (@JackPittBrooke) December 21, 2015"

There was an easy choice for man of the match:

"

Remember that Mesut Ozil is for life, not just for Christmas #Arsenal pic.twitter.com/IA2WyNxoCp

— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) December 21, 2015"

"

Wonder if David Moyes still thinks the jury's out on Ozil after another fantastic performance tonight?

— JOE.co.uk (@JOE_co_uk) December 21, 2015"

Next up for Arsenal is a trip to Southampton on Boxing Day, while Manchester City prepare to host Sunderland.

[Twitter]