Mesut Ozil 'Disappears' in Physical Arsenal Matches, Says Raymond Domenech
Mesut Ozil has come under fire from former France manager Raymond Domenech for going missing in high-profile, physical matches.
The Germany international has enjoyed some of the best form of his career in the last 18 months, topping the Premier League standings for assists in 2015-16, with 19, and netting seven goals in all competitions already this campaign, per WhoScored.com.
However, speaking ahead of Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, Domenech said Ozil does not make a big enough impact in the tougher matches, per Jamie Styles in the Daily Star: "As soon as there is physicality involved, he disappears. If he has to track back, he doesn’t do it."
Ozil played the full 90 minutes against PSG but did not enjoy one of his better games, with the Guardian's Barney Ronay particularly unimpressed with his first-half display:
His key contribution came at the end of the opening 45 minutes, when Alexis Sanchez was fouled in the box to draw a penalty after the Chilean had been found in space by Ozil's clever reverse pass.
Olivier Giroud converted from the spot to make it 1-1 after Edinson Cavani's opener. Second-half own goals at either end meant the game finished 2-2.
It was a poor Arsenal performance at the Emirates Stadium, and they were arguably fortunate to hold on for a draw after Cavani missed two excellent chances late on that would have sealed the victory for PSG, per the Sunday Times' Jonathan Northcroft:
Ozil's average showing—Goal described him as being "on the fringes" for most of the game—was doubtless a contributing factor to Arsenal's underwhelming performance.
When the 28-year-old shines, Arsenal invariably thrive, even more so when he and Sanchez combine for top form—see the 3-0 drubbing of Chelsea earlier this season and dismantling of Manchester United in 2015-16.
However, Arsenal's main problem is they are overreliant on their superlative attacking duo. Ozil and Sanchez cannot be brilliant in every match, and when they have an off day, Arsenal suffer.
That was the case on Wednesday, and although they did not lose, the Gunners are still facing the prospect of a second-place finish in Group A in the 2016-17 Champions League and, consequently, a likely tougher last-16 opponent.
In order to avoid missing out on top spot, the north London side will need to better PSG's result on the group stage's final matchday on December 6.
But Arsenal's trip to face FC Basel looks a much more difficult challenge than PSG's home clash with Ludogorets Razgrad, so Arsene Wenger's men will need luck to be on their side if they are to top the group.
