Proud captain Ozil hails Arsenal's 'sexy' football

Returning to the side after suffering back spasms, Ozil led Arsenal's fightback against the Foxes.

Published : Oct 23, 2018 10:36 IST , London

Mesut Ozil celebrates scoring against Leicester City. He had a night to remember, providing two assists for Aubameyang's brace.
Mesut Ozil celebrates scoring against Leicester City. He had a night to remember, providing two assists for Aubameyang's brace.
lightbox-info

Mesut Ozil celebrates scoring against Leicester City. He had a night to remember, providing two assists for Aubameyang's brace.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil stole the show as Arsenal swept to its 10th successive win with a dominant 3-1 victory against Leicester on Monday.

Unai Emery's side trailed to Hector Bellerin's first-half own goal at the Emirates Stadium.

But Ozil, captaining Arsenal on his return to the side after back spasms, produced a majestic display to lead the Gunners' impressive fightback.

Ozil, shrugging off his poor start to the season, equalised just before half-time and played a key role in Aubameyang's second-half double.

Gabon striker Aubameyang scored twice in quick succession after coming off the bench, ensuring Arsenal won 10 consecutive matches in all competitions for the first time since 2007.

It has scored 30 goals in that blistering streak and climbed to fourth place in the Premier League, just two points behind leader Manchester City.

Read: Outstanding Ozil inspires comeback win

On the 69th birthday of Emery's predecessor Arsene Wenger, this was the kind of swashbuckling show that recalled Arsenal's glory days under the Frenchman.

Ozil summed up Arsenal mood, tweeting after the match: “I think we played some sexy football tonight. Proud captain of this team.”

 

It was the perfect start to a hectic week that sees Arsenal travel to Portugal for a Europa League tie against Sporting Lisbon on Thursday before returning to domestic action at Crystal Palace on Sunday.

“We are happy because we are progressing. We need to play with organisation but also we are beginning to play with heart,” Emery said.

“Today the performance of the team, and also of Mesut, was very good.”

Emery has made a remarkable impact since replacing Wenger in the close-season.

The Spanish manager's two-game losing streak at the start of his Arsenal reign is now a distant memory as Gunners fans start to dream of a title challenge after its seventh successive league win.

Emery isn't getting carried away just yet, saying: “It's important to keep calm and progress with every player. To continue winning is difficult.

“When you improve your demands are very high. We need to control matches more than we are doing now.”

Leicester boss Claude Puel was furious his side didn't get a penalty for a first-half handball by Rob Holding.

“I am angry about this decision because the good work from my players was not helped,” he said.

Driving forward

Leicester's spot-kick claim came when Holding raised his arm above his head and clearly handled as he jumped to meet Jamie Vardy's flick-on, yet referee Christopher Kavanagh waved play on.

Harry Maguire's towering header forced a good save from Leno and Leicester's pressure reaped a tangible reward in the 31st minute.

Wilfried Ndidi's pass picked out Ben Chilwell, who made a superb run in behind Bellerin and drilled a low shot that deflected off the Arsenal defender on its way past the wrong-footed Leno.

Stunned into action by that setback, Arsenal nearly snatched an immediate equaliser when Granit Xhaka's free-kick was tipped over by Kasper Schmeichel.

Suddenly, Arsenal was driving forward with purpose and drew level on the stroke of half-time.

Ozil was the catalyst as his pass sent Bellerin away down the right and when the defender crossed into the Leicester area, it was the German midfielder who timed his run perfectly to guide a delicate finish into the far corner.

Ndidi led the Leicester response with a powerful header that rattled the bar from James Maddison's corner.

But Emery sent on Aubameyang for Lichtsteiner after 61 minutes and the switch paid instant dividends two minutes later.

Ozil played a superb pass to Bellerin and the Spaniard's low cross was just right for the unmarked Aubameyang to slot home from close range.

Aubameyang was in the right place at the right time again in the 66th minute as Arsenal conjured up another incisive raid.

This was Arsenal at its finest as Ozil and Lacazette combined to carve open the Leicester defence in a blur of flicks and tricks, presenting Aubameyang with a simple chance to tap in his eighth goal of the season.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment