XHAKA: OZIL’S CLASS IS KEY
TIMING is everything in sport – and Granit Xhaka reckons Mesut Ozil’s return can spark a glorious end to Arsenal’s campaign.
Struck down by illness, injuries and a complete loss of form, German ace Ozil (above) was a virtual outcast at the Emirates in recent months. That all changed on Thursday, when Gunners boss Unai Emery recalled the mercurial midfielder for the second leg of the Europa League tie against BATE Borisov, having seen an improvement in attitude.
It was only his second appearance in 11 games, and whether Ozil did enough in the 3-0 stroll to secure a start at home to Southampton today remains to be seen.
Xhaka (right) insists everyone is delighted to have the ex-Real Madrid man around again as a crunch period looms in Arsenal’s dual bid for a top-four finish and European success.
The Swiss said: “You can see Mesut is important for us. We are happy he is back. He was a little bit injured and a little bit sick but he is now 100 per cent back. He has good eyes, a good left foot. You can see when he is on the pitch he can help us a lot.
“We now have important weeks, with Southampton and Bournemouth at home and Tottenham away. And we have the European games as well as Manchester United. It’s a period where you can see where we are going to be.
“I hope that Mesut can be key for us and that we can keep this run going for the next few months as we go for the top four.”
Emery has faced criticism for changing personnel and tactics but Xhaka called for patience. He added: “It’s not so easy for the manager. He needs time but I think we work very well with him and all the players are happy.
“We are close to the top four and we’re one point off Man United. They’re in a good moment but have a big game on Sunday against Liverpool. We hope after that we can be where we want.”