Many Arsenal supporters have been lauding the efforts of Mesut Ozil, after the German played a ‘top class’ pass in the build-up to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s second goal of the day away to Watford on Sunday.
The Gunners travelled to Vicarage Road looking to pull level on points with Manchester City in second place, after Pep Guardiola’s Citizens fell to a shock defeat away to Premier League new boys Norwich City on Saturday.
Unai Emery’s Arsenal were tasked with facing Watford without Alexandre Lacazette, though, as the Frenchman – who scored shortly before half time in the North London Derby – is ruled out until October with an ankle injury (The Guardian).
In place of Lacazette, Emery called on Ozil and awarded Real Madrid loanee Dani Ceballos a recall in place of Lucas Torreira, who dropped to the bench.
The Spanish head coach’s decision to award Ozil his first appearance of the campaign (TransferMarkt) paid dividends early in the first half, too, as the German played an instrumental role in Aubameyang doubling the visitor’s lead in the 32nd minute.
Picking the ball up on the edge of the box, 30-year-old Ozil shifted the ball onto his right foot and played a perfectly weighted pass into the box for an onrushing Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who drilled the ball across the six-yard area for Aubameyang to tap home his second of the day.
There were 20 passes in total in the build-up to the Gabon international securing his brace (Opta), which was the longest sequence leading to a goal in the Premier League this season with play flowing from wing to wing in the Watford half.
Being a pre-assist, Ozil was not credited with a key pass for his involvement in the goal, which ensured he went into the break on zero, while also not attempting any shots on Ben Foster’s net, per data collected by WhoScored.
Here’s what fans had to say about his performance and the pass which led to the goal…
Ozil magic pass to Niles who sets up Aubameyang’s second goal.
Mesut Ozil
— Bernard the Gooner (@bernard_gooner) September 15, 2019
Aubameyang is our strong man.. Its all about Ozil. The level of Ozil’s tactical maneuvers gives Aubameyang the great opportunities.
— PoeticZen (@TZenPhilosopher) September 15, 2019
Laaaaaaaaavly! Top class from Mesut Ozil and a great ball in from Maitland-Niles and once again Aubameyang with a simple finish
— Max Morley (@max1morley) September 15, 2019
This is what Özil can do, what a through pass for AMN and its a 2nd goal, it was all about Ozil
2-0 Arsenal
And 2 goals to Aubameyang— Shairu Dar (@shairu786) September 15, 2019
See! I forgive Ozil for his defensive qualities. But for Attack, he can be a Wizard.. Aubameyang number 2 for Arsenal. #WATARS
— Eudee (@Eudee0626) September 15, 2019
Aubameyang with another. How about that for a pass from Ozil. #WATARS
— John Andri (@johnandri) September 15, 2019
Aubameyang different mustard, and Ozil back in the groove
— Rt Honourable Kris CBE (@bajankris) September 15, 2019
Xhaka was better than guendouzi and ozil played better than pepe. Set up horrendously, standard emery.
— Rikki (@rikkielliott13) September 15, 2019
Aubameyang will prolly hit 50 if Ozil keeps playing..
— Mr Carter (@josh_gidi) September 15, 2019
Aubameyang again, it’s 2-0! Ozil plays a lovely pass in behind for Maitland-Niles on the right, he fires the ball in low and Aubameyang is on hand to tap it in at the back post #WATARS
— Najib Balaaaa! (@Timberwolf___) September 15, 2019
