Aubameyang, Ozil star as Arsenal make it perfect 10
IN THE ZONE Ozil shrugs off poor start to season to equalise and play key role in Aubameyang’s double
LONDON: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil stole the show as Arsenal swept to their 10th successive win with a dominant 3-1 victory against Leicester on Monday. Unai Emery’s side trailed to Hector Bellerin’s first half own goal at the Emirates Stadium.
But Ozil, captaining Arsenal on his return to the side after back spasms, produced a majestic display to lead the Gunners’ impressive fightback. Ozil, shrugging off his poor start to the season, equalised just before halftime and played a key role in Aubameyang’s second half double.
Gabon striker Aubameyang scored twice in quick succession after coming off the bench, ensuring Arsenal won 10 consecutive matches in all competitions for the first time since 2007.
They have scored 30 goals in that blistering streak and climb to fourth place in the Premier League, just two points behind leaders Manchester City.
On the 69th birthday of Emery’s predecessor Arsene Wenger, this was the kind of swashbuckling show that recalled Arsenal’s glory days under the Frenchman. It was the perfect start to a hectic week that sees Arsenal travel to Portugal for a Europa League tie against Sporting Lisbon Thursday before returning to domestic action at Crystal Palace on Sunday.
“We are happy because we are progressing. We need to play with organisation but also we are beginning to play with heart,” Emery said.
“Today the performance of the team, and also of Mesut, was very good. Each match and training Mesut’s commitment is very good.” Emery has made a remarkable impact since replacing Wenger in the close-season.
The Spanish manager’s twogame losing streak at the start of his Arsenal reign is now a distant memory as Gunners fans start to dream of a title challenge after their seventh successive league win. Emery isn’t getting carried away just yet, saying: “It’s important to keep calm and progress with every player. To continue winning is difficult. “When you improve your demands are high. We need to control matches more than we are doing now.”
Leicester boss Claude Puel was furious his side didn’t get a penalty for a first half handball by Rob Holding. “I am angry about this decision because the good work from my players was not helped,” he said.
Leicester’s spot-kick claim came when Holding raised his arm above his head and clearly handled as he jumped to meet Jamie Vardy’s flick on, yet referee Christopher Kavanagh waved play on.
Harry Maguire’s towering header forced a good save from Leno and Leicester’s pressure reaped a tangible reward in the 31st minute.
Wilfried Ndidi’s pass picked out Ben Chilwell, who made a superb run in behind Bellerin and drilled a low shot that deflected off the Arsenal defender on its way past the wrong-footed Leno. Stunned into action by that setback, Arsenal nearly snatched an immediate equaliser when Granit Xhaka’s free-kick was tipped over by Kasper Schmeichel.
Suddenly, Arsenal were driving forward with purpose and they drew level on the stroke of half-time. Ozil was the catalyst as his pass sent Bellerin away down the right and when the defender crossed into the Leicester area, it was the German midfielder who timed his run perfectly to guide a delicate finish into the far corner.
›
We are progressing. We need to play with organisation but also we are beginning to play with heart.
UNAI EMERY, Arsenal manager
›
When you improve your demands are very high. We need to control matches more than we are doing now.
EMERY, On upcoming matches
›
I am angry about this decision because the good work from my players was not helped,
CLAUDE PUEL , Leicester manager on not being given a penalty kick in the first half