Analysing Mesut Ozil's performance against Hull

Mesut Ozil

Arsenal continued their fine form by dispatching Hull City at the Emirates with consummate ease. Goals from Nicklas Bendtner and Mesut Ozil maintained their four-point lead over Chelsea at the top of the Premier League as they gear up for the busy festive period. The opening goal came inside the first two minutes of the match from Bendtner who scored his first league goal for the club for over three years. Ozil wrapped up the points with a typically calm finish to cap off an impressive performance by the German.

He contributed greatly in attack – as usual – playing four key passes. No one else created as many chances as Ozil at the Emirates last night. Even Hull only completed three key passes.

Ozil’s key passes

Ozil’s delivery from corners was excellent, too, providing a constant threat. He completed three out of six corners which was, again, more than the total Hull managed to amass.

Signing Ozil was a masterstroke by Arsene Wenger and he’s proving his worth so far this season. He’s not missed a league match since his arrival from Real Madridand is one of the key reasons for the Gunners’ early-season form.

He was imperious against Hull and popped up everywhere, shown below by his heat map.

Ozil’s heat map was exceptional

Ozil completed 91% of his passes, a total of 85 from 93, which placed him high amongst his Arsenal teammates. As you can see from the image below, Ozil played most of his passes from the left-hand side. He drifted out wide regularly to cause havoc, often switching to the right flank to cause more problems for Hull’s defence.

From the two images above and below, it is clear to see how Ozil impacted on Arsenal’s play. He drifted around in a free role providing fluidity to the players around him. His movement also prevented Hull keeping him pinned down and were unable to mark him tightly enough to stop him playing his football.

Ozil displayed exactly the type of player he is and why he’s so good against Hull.

Ozil’s passing last night

Ozil earned a Squawka Performance Score of 75 last night, with only Aaron Ramsey achieving a higher score (91). His score shot up from 10 points to 41 when he scored his goal, which coincidentally, was assisted by the fantastic Ramsey.

Ozil deserved his goal for his performance and, despite recent – strange – criticism, he is still improving. The German is a world class talent and is showing exactly why Wenger paid more than £40 million for his services.

If he keeps up this form, Arsenal will remain near the top of the table for a lot longer.