Perhaps one the rarest things you’ll hear today, a Manchester United legend has lauded Mesut Ozil’s performance at the Emirates on Wednesday night, January 1, as Arsenal deservedly dispatched Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side 2-0.
After just eight minutes of play, Nicolas Pepe was at the back post to finish off Sead Kolasinac’s cross, his second goal in the league from open play.
Arsenal’s dominance in the first half bore fruit as Sokratis Papastathopoulos fired the ball from close range after De Gea punched away Lacazette’s header into a dangerous area.
Man United showed no signs of a fightback, as they struggled to create chances – Arsenal, cutting off their usual game plan, the counter-attack.
Their most creative midfielder, Paul Pogba was missing in action, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the Man United boss confirming that he needed surgery and would be out for a month.
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Solskjaer also admitted that his opponents were the better side on the night. "They were the better team. They were aggressive, they regained the ball and it was hard to get the ball off them," he said.
Arteta was happy with the performance and applauded his side.
"I am very pleased with the performance, I'm even more pleased with the result," Everything I wanted to see on the pitch, I saw tonight," said an elated Arteta, with only his first win after 3 games in charge.
Rio Ferdinand, former Man United defender took time after the match to applaud Ozil, who was instrumental to the Gunner’s impressive win against a Man United side who lacked intensity.
Speaking on BT Sport, Ferdinand said: “Look at that from Ozil, I think that is the first time I’ve seen him smile in 18 months, and that’s because he must be enjoying training,” insinuating the German may have found a new lease of life under Arteta.
The win saw Arsenal move up to 10th on the log with 27 points after 21 match days.
Man United stay fifth with 31 points, a distant five behind Chelsea who occupy the last slot of the Champions League places.
