Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil was given only his third appearance of the season in the Carabao Cup defeat to Liverpool last night. The German played his part in an extraordinary game that ended 5-5 after 90 minutes before the Gunners lost in the shootout.
The playmaker provided the assist for the fourth goal and was a commanding presence in the middle of the pitch, but he was substituted after 65 minutes by manager Unai Emery. Supporters on Twitter were praising the 31-year-old’s contribution:
Proving Emery wrong, the guy ??
— ALIWA (@aliwa_mirugah) October 31, 2019
What a breathtaking performance
— ????? (@imJr19) October 31, 2019
And that was his third game of the season
— SERIOUS MAN (@taotungjin) October 31, 2019
Ozill is our best player no matter what!! Meanwhile #emeryoutnow
— Daniel Clement?? (@Makaandhoga) October 31, 2019
Emery needs this man, whether he likes it or not
— Whispers of Armageddon (@akayz_insomniac) October 31, 2019
Ozil should be judged by the position he plays, he is a CAM not a DM
— Billy Jusa (@BillyElvinJusa) October 31, 2019
Free Mesut Ozil
— Unai Emrey Out (@EmreyOut) October 31, 2019
And watch Emery NOT even have him in the squad to face Giant Killers Wolves!
— Notorious Kris (@Notorious_Kris) October 31, 2019
GOAT
— LépéLazer (@LepeLazer) October 31, 2019
He is our Master mind but the coach leaves him behind
***Emery out***— Mubiru michael (@michael_mubiru) October 31, 2019
He's absolute class. He might not be what he once was, but he is 100% someone you want around the first team squad. ?
Really hoping we all get to see Özil behind Auba, Lacazette and Pepe at least once ?
— Charles Davie (@chuckdavie) October 31, 2019
Ozil’s assist was typical of the man. At a tight angle, he flicked the ball back to Ainsley Maitland-Niles who slotted the ball home to make it 4-2 on the night.
Whether his substitution was because he will be starting against Wolves this weekend, it remains to be seen. On last night’s evidence, he should be in contention for a start but Emery has been hesitant to even include him in matchday squads for league games.
