The ‘Assist King’ Mesut Özil has announced his retirement from football. In light of his retirement, we’re taking a look at the top 10 Ozil moments at Arsenal.
Former Arsenal and Real Madrid midfielder Mesut Özil announced on social media today that he is retiring from football.
The German had an incredible playing career, remembered mainly for his world class passing and assists.
His major honours include the World Cup, four FA Cup titles, the La Liga, Copa del Rey and the DFB Pokal.
He won the German player of the year award on five occasions, and was named in the UEFA Team of the Year twice.
Özil is fondly remembered by Arsenal and Premier League fans from his time at the Emirates where he scored 33 goals and assisted 54 times in 184 league appearances.
Following his announcement, we’re taking a look at the 34-year-old’s the top 10 Ozil moments at Arsenal.
Thank you ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Aqr4pB5SI2
— Mesut Özil (@M10) March 22, 2023
Top 10 Ozil Moments At Arsenal
See below our top 10 Ozil moments at Arsenal, from the ‘Ozil Bounce’ to the FA Cup triumph of 2018.
10. Premier League Debut vs Sunderland (2013/14)
Ozil secured his move from Real Madrid to Arsenal in the summer of 2013 for around £42.5 million, a fee that saw him become the most expensive German footballer of all time.
Optimism was in the air at the Emirates, and it didn’t take him long at all to get acclimatised to the English game.
11 minutes into his Premier League debut, Ozil provided his first of 54 league assists.
His inch-perfect pass to Olivier Giroud saw Arsenal open the scoring early on.
A first goal involvement in Arsenal colours helped his side to a 3-1 victory on the opening day of the 2013/14 season.
9. Magnificent Champions League Display vs Napoli (2013/14)
Ozil vs Napoli (2013) https://t.co/XXp9p7rQif
— The Gooners (@TheGooners__) January 6, 2021
The German truly shone in the Gunners’ Champions League tie against Napoli back in 2013/14.
Drawn into a tough group alongside Borussia Dortmund, Napoli and Marseille, Arsenal had a tricky task on their hands.
After defeating Marseille in the opening match, it was imperative that the Gunners carried that form into the second match against Napoli, and that’s exactly what Ozil did – and more.
Just eight minutes into the match, Ozil opened the scoring. Their new talisman brilliantly turned home an Aaron Ramsey cross first time to ease the Gunners’ nerves early on.
He then went on to pull the strings all evening, oozing class throughout as Arsene Wenger’s side ran out as 2-0 winners.
8. The ‘Ozil Bounce’
🎩 A moment of magic from @MesutOzil1088 against Liverpool 🤩 pic.twitter.com/1RyhaLsTHp
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 30, 2019
It takes a special kind of player to get a trick shot named after them, and Mesut Ozil is certainly that.
He first showcased the ‘Ozil bounce’ at Real Madrid, but thankfully brought it with him to Arsenal.
His first goal using the trick shot for the Gunners came in a 3-3 draw against Liverpool.
A quick one-two with Alexandre Lacazette gave Ozil a sight on goal, and he made no mistake in using his infamous trickery to slot over Simon Mignolet.
7. Astonishing Ludogorets Goal (2016/17)
Özil masterpiece, #OTD in 2016 🎨@M10 || @Arsenal || #UCL pic.twitter.com/BpYkMbwXJg
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) November 1, 2022
Within 15 minutes of Arsenal’s Champions League tie against Ludogorets, they found themselves 2-0 down.
An inspired Ozil kickstarted the comeback by assisting Granit Xhaka’s first for the Gunners.
With just minutes remaining, Wenger’s side were level with a 2-2 scoreline.
In a pure moment of magic, Ozil chipped the Ludogorets goalkeeper, before sitting two defenders down and converting into an empty net.
A true genius at work.
6. Volley Vs Newcastle (2017/18)
On this day last year, Mesut did a madness! 💥
😱 @MesutOzil1088 pic.twitter.com/TnqFDZ3dQY
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 16, 2018
Another moment of magic from Mesut Ozil came against Newcastle at the Emirates in 2017/18.
He left fans in awe as he bagged the winner to secure all three points for Arsenal.
A block and a clearance from the visiting defence saw the ball almost float in the air for the German. He took his time, lined up his shot, and volleyed home with an unstoppable strike into the top right corner.
5. Free-Kick vs Liverpool (2014/15)
Earlier in the season, Arsenal suffered an embarrassing 5-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.
In the reverse fixture however, Ozil and his Gunners crew had different ideas – as they battered the Reds 4-1 at the Emirates.
The German provided the second for Wenger’s side in the most spectacular fashion.
In a world-class performance, Ozil curled a free-kick into the far corner from around 25 yards out to inspire Arsenal to victory.
4. Champions League Victory vs Bayern Munich (2015/16)
The only team in England to beat Bayern Munich in the CL. 👀 pic.twitter.com/8pXOUlCyxc
— Manas (@watmanAFC) August 10, 2020
In their last three Champions League matches against Bayern Munich, Arsenal have lost 5-1 on every single occasion.
Prior to this though, the Gunners secured a 2-0 win over the Bavarians in a memorable night at the Emirates.
Thanks to their German wizard, they were able to pick apart the Bayern defence as Ozil provided a sublime performance.
Running rings around the Bundesliga side, Ozil found a late winner to secure a mighty victory, and to round off his showing of pure magic.
3. 3-0 Manchester United Victory (2015/16)
Don't forget how Alexis Sanchez & Mesut Ozil did them dirty in 2015.
Arsenal 3-0 Manchester United. #ARSMUN pic.twitter.com/qhuMUUvkKR— Great Embian (@alexbaraza_) January 21, 2023
Not many would have predicted the absolute battering that Arsenal handed Manchester United at the Emirates back in 2015.
Wenger’s men raced into a 3-0 lead with less than 20 minutes on the clock, with Ozil playing an instrumental role in the demolition job.
Within the first seven minutes, the German already had a goal and an assist to his name as Arsenal cruised to victory.
2. Leicester City Masterclass (2018/19)
https://twitter.com/T24spor/status/1054697114389884928?s=20
Ozil’s performance against Leicester City back in 2018 is easily one of his greatest ever performances.
The German single-handedly won the game for Arsenal, as they came from behind to win 3-1.
His deft finish supplied the Gunners with the leveller, before he went on to create a further two goals
Two incredible pieces of play to carve open the Foxes’ defence saw Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang net twice, but the plaudits were all for the ‘Assist King’.
1. FA Cup Triumph (2016/17)
Coming in at number one on our list of the top 10 Ozil moments is Arsenal’s FA Cup triumph over Chelsea in 2017.
Ozil received constant criticism throughout his career for supposedly not turning up on the big occasions, but this time out – he certainly did.
Chelsea were clear favourites for the title, having just won the Premier League, but Arsenal had other ideas.
Despite not scoring or assisting Ozil put in a perfect performance, saving the Gunners’ season from complete disappointment.
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