Premier League 2018-19, Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle United: 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis

#4 Ramsey and Ozil star in midfield

For the game against Newcastle, Arsenal was without the services of Granit Xhaka (injury) and Lucas Torreira (suspension).

Hence, the Gunners had to deploy Matteo Guendouzi and Ramsey in midfield with the pair playing together in central midfield for the first time.

Unsurprisingly, the Arsenal faithful felt a little nervy about the selection. But, by the time the game ended, Unai Emery was vindicated in his decision to start the Welshman, in particular.

The midfielder was a bundle of energy throughout the game and contributed at both ends of the pitch. While he scored the opening goal, he was efficient in getting behind the ball and carrying out his defensive duties.

In the 67 minutes he was on the pitch, the Welshman made two tackles and several ball recoveries. Additionally, his passing wasn’t too shabby as he piled up 73 passes at an accuracy rate of 93.2%.

Yet, despite the midfielder’s accomplished performance, it was arguably the display of his German teammate that would’ve given Arsenal more joy.

Mesut Ozil has endured a troubled 2018-19 season so far. Initially, he started a few games but soon found himself isolated courtesy a string of injuries and questions over his work rate.

However, in the past few weeks, with an apparent difference in his effort off the ball, the German has been utilised more by Emery.

On Monday, Ozil was handed a free role behind the striker and the play-maker excelled. He roamed all across the pitch, shrugged off his markers and took up threatening positions in the opposition half. Though he couldn’t bag an assist, he did make 2 key passes in the game.

In addition, he also made 54 passes in the Newcastle half, whipped in three crosses and won three fouls.

While it would be still a little premature to label Ozil as being back to his best, there certainly are glimpses that the German is finally enjoying his football again.

At times this term, Ozil has mesmerised and frustrated in equal measure. Yet, against Newcastle, it was more a case of the former than the later.

And with the scuffle for the top four reaching fever pitch, the German’s return to form couldn’t have come any sooner for Arsenal.