How Mesut Ozil’s woeful display at Crystal Palace typified Arsenal’s downfall

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To use the word ‘ineffective’ to describe Mesut Ozil’s performance for Arsenal against Crystal Palace on Monday night would be to do him a disservice. It was so much worse than that, to the extent that even the likes of ‘lazy’, ‘hopeless’ and ‘useless’ would be more appropriate.

Fair enough, it was hardly the prime time to shine given the embarrassing displays of some of his teammates, but Ozil was possibly the worst of the lot. With 101 touches, you may expect that he was dictating Arsenal’s play, looking to create chances and find gaps in behind as the Gunners sought to break down a tough and deep Crystal Palace defence, but that wasn’t the case.

Dawdling on the ball, looking lost, before eventually surrendering possession needlessly were the trademarks of the 28-year-old’s display at Selhurst Park. With 83 passes only Granit Xhaka managed more, yet the German somehow failed to create a single opportunity at any moment with any of his passes.

Seemingly content to retain possession and play short passes in and around him, Ozil looked disinterested and careless after surrendering the ball in what became a polar opposite of the fight and determination showed by Alexis Sanchez as he fought to earn something from the game.

Ozil’s heat map showed how limited his movement and impact was, drifting around beyond the half way line and the 18-yard-box on the left hand side without ever really venturing into the box, he never tried his luck with a shot, he never looked to play others in to dangerous positions, and when he did deliver a cross, only two of the seven were successful.

Far from renowned for his defensive work, Ozil lived up to expectations as he slowly and rarely tracked back, clearly not willing to put a shift in as some of Palace’s players were doing for their side. With just one clearance to show for his defensive contribution, it is a clear demonstration of Ozil’s increasing status as a luxury player for Arsene Wenger and co.

Whilst he may claim to be happy at the Emirates under Wenger’s management, performances such as this one have only become too symbolic of the lacklustre attempts to show any kind of heart or passion for the cause. Where Ozil ends up next season is up for debate, but what is certain is that too many more displays like this one and his manager almost certainly won’t be in the dugout at the Emirates beyond May.

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