Ozil scored his first goal for Arsenal and assisted another to hand his side a dominant 2-0 win over Serie A frontrunners Napoli. PHOTO: REUTERS
Arsene Wenger believes his club record swoop for Mesut Ozil has revitalised Arsenal after the Germany midfielder inspired a 2-0 win over Napoli with his first goal for the Gunners.
Wenger splashed out £42.5 million to lure Ozil from Real Madrid on transfer deadline day and the midfielder’s arrival in north London has coincided with a remarkable revival in Arsenal’s fortunes.
An opening day defeat against Aston Villa looked set to spark unrest among unhappy Gunners fans, but Wenger has managed to get Arsenal back on track in emphatic fashion and he gives much of the credit to Ozil.
Although they were already improving before his arrival, Ozil’s presence has given real belief to both his teammates and supporters frustrated by Arsenal’s eight-year trophy drought.
Arsenal have won five of their six matches since Ozil’s debut at Sunderland last month and Wenger agreed that Tuesday’s impressive Champions League win over Napoli was their most dynamic display in recent memory.
“It was an outstanding first- half for Ozil, with individual skill, finishing and the final ball,” said Wenger. “I just sat there and enjoyed it.
“I loved him in Madrid. I thought he was great there, we are just lucky to have got him.
“He enjoys playing and he has integrated very quickly. He came at a period when we were doing well and that made it easier.
“We got so much stick at the start of the season and now I am a bit cautious to get excited, but of course he gave a lift to everyone around the club and belief as well. Belief is part of success.”
Ozil opened the scoring in the eighth minute with a superb finish that showcased his immaculate technique and he then turned provider to set up Olivier Giroud for the second goal seven minutes later.
We will qualify, says Mourinho
Chelsea got their Champions League campaign up and running at the second attempt with a one-sided 4-0 win away to Romanian champions Steaua Bucharest.
Stunned 2-1 by Basel at Stamford Bridge in their opening game, Chelsea were eager to make up for lost time and the Europa League champions never looked in trouble beneath the closed roof of Bucharest’s Arena Nationala.
Ramires broke the deadlock in the 20th minute, with hapless Steaua right-back Daniel Georgievski putting through his own goal on the verge of half-time.
Ramires added a third early in the second period, before Frank Lampard’s low shot sealed victory in the 90th minute.
“I think the performance was very solid, from the first minute,” Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho told Sky Sports.
“We always kept the control of the game and the result, and I think we played good football with intelligence and maturity.
“I think we are going to do it. I think we are going to qualify. This result is important, because if you don’t win, you are a bit under pressure.”
Champions League
Results
Basel 0-1 Schalke
Steaua 0-4 Chelsea
Arsenal 2-0 Napoli
Dortmund 3-0 Marseille
Porto 1-2 Atletico
Zenit 0-0 Vienna
Ajax 1-1 AC Milan
Celtic 0-1 Barcelona
Published in The Express Tribune, October 3rd, 2013.
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