Why Mesut Ozil will destroy Crystal Palace

Mesut Ozil

It’s fair to say Mesut Ozil has become somewhat of a sensation since he arrived in north London. The Germany international’s £42.5m move from Real Madrid on deadline day has injected the belief back into the Arsenal ranks and fans are finally licking their lips in anticipation of potential silverware they will pick up under the guidance of the playmaker, and he’s not been bad on the pitch, either.

Last season Ozil was the most creative outlet in the Real Madrid side – only Andres Iniesta claimed more assists in La Liga, but he spent more time on the pitch than the German – and he has continued in similar fashion in the Premier League. Ozil only has five appearances under his belt so far, but he has already created 17 opportunities for his team-mates, three of which have been assists.

Mesut Ozil Chance Created

After creating four chances against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League this week, Ozil’s next outing will be against manager-less Crystal Palace, who will be undoubtedly be dreading the prospect.

Mesut Ozil Key Passes v Dortmund

It’s been a tough few months for the Eagles. Despite Ian Holloway guiding the club to promotion through the play-offs, his record at Selhurst Park is nothing short of shoddy, and it was no real surprise when he was relieved of his duties after a crushing 4-1 defeat at home to Fulham this week. Dougie Freedman had Palace sitting pretty at the top of the Championship when Holloway took the reins, but due to Holloway’s gung ho approach to management the Eagles stuttered over the line in less than impressive fashion.

The ruthlessness of the Premier League has since been felt in full force by the capital club, losing seven of their eight games, so as they prepare to welcome the Premier League leaders, who destroyed Norwich last weekend, fans are expecting the worst.

Ozil was in fine form during their encounter with the Canaries, scoring twice in the second half, and will be relishing going up against the second worst defence in the league – only bottom of the league Sunderland (20) have conceded more than Palace (17). The German excels in the pockets around the opposition penalty areas, threading through-balls through to Olivier Giroud or tearing players out of position before exploiting the gaps.

Mesut Ozil Heat Map v Norwich

From the 17 goals that Palace have conceded, 14 have been from inside the box, which shows just how limp the defence is. Holloway often neglected the defensive duties on hand and failed to reinforce a questionable looking backline with genuine quality. Damien Delaney, Danny Gabbidon and more recently Adrian Mariappa are Holloway’s three central defenders, and have all proved that if you run at them with any real purpose then there’s a good chance they will collapse beneath your feet. And that’s what Ozil does best. The 25-year-old is one of the best technical players from across Europe and can dismantle even the most established defences on his own.

Keith Millen, who will take charge of the game against the Gunners, will have to conjure up a miracle to survive what could turn into a riot at the hands, or feet in this case, of the former Madrid man.