Maybe the Premier League should introduce a new rule especially for Mesut Ozil. Perhaps if they banned Arsenal’s new €50 million midfielder from using his left foot things might be a little fairer for the opposition.
Before succumbing to the after effects of a stomach virus and fading in the second half, Ozil spent much of Saturday afternoon switching the lights on for Arsene Wenger’s side.
Not content with the exquisite creation of Olivier Giroud’s opener, he unlocked so many doors for Theo Walcott that, had the England forward properly calibrated his shooting, he would have had a hat-trick. “Ozil was lucky, every touch was good,” Paolo Di Canio said. “We will all have to check if he has fake boots. They were like a glove. He is a good player.”
Where first touch can be a sensitive subject for some professionals, Ozil simply looks as if he is wearing magnetic footwear. Wenger must sometimes have to pinch himself before accepting that Real Madrid really were prepared to lose the Germany international.
"He had not practised with the team at all but he looked very comfortable, especially his first touch," said Arsenal's manager. "His passing and his retention of the ball gives everyone time to move; his game is based on a lot of movement. He gives us a kind of technical security with interesting creativity. He is a great player and there is a lot more to come from him once he gets used to the contact in England. He's given everyone a huge lift."
Late decision
Wenger revealed that, had Santi Cazorla – sidelined until after the next international break – been fit, Ozil would not have started after the newcomer spent part of Friday being sick. If the late decision to select him represented a gamble, so too did Di Canio's persistence with an ultra attack-minded 4-4-2 formation against a visiting midfield quintet.
One point from the season’s first four games has left the Italian’s Wearside “revolution” undeniably fragile but, important as Saturday’s trip to West Brom has become there were several signs that Sunderland’s short-term pain could well lead to long-term gain.
“Sunderland have potential,” Wenger said. “The result was a bit flattering for us. They gave us a lot of problems in the second half.”
Once Craig Gardner replaced David Vaughan, Sunderland improved. When Laurent Koscielny lunged, unwisely, at Adam Johnson, Gardner equalised from the penalty spot and, although Aaron Ramsey’s superlative volley restored Arsenal’s lead, an awful refereeing decision arguably changed the game.
Jozy Altidore thought he had equalised after brushing Bacary Sagna off but, contentiously, Martin Atkinson had declined to play advantage, instead pulling play back and awarding a free-kick.
"I am sad but not worried," said Di Canio, who was sent to the stands late on after engaging Atkinson in animated conversation. "I don't care I was sent off, I am coming away feeling positive. Arsenal play football like we want to play but they have being doing this for years.
Know the system
"The fans might not be happy, they might be thinking: 'What's going on?' but, listen to me, in four months' time we will know the system and each other better. We will play good football. We will win games."
How he could do with a dynamic holding midfielder like Ramsey. Linking play seamlessly, the impressive Welshman sealed Arsenal's win with his second goal, a shot slipped beneath Keiren Westwood before graciously accepting second billing.
Guardian Service
