Mesut Ozil continued his fine start to the season for Arsenal with an impressive volley that, ultimately, secured Arsenal three points against Swansea City on Saturday.
The German’s second half strike, latching on to an Alexis Sanchez cross to rifle the ball into the roof of the net, was undoubtedly the goal of the day and capped a typically composed performance from the former Real Madrid star.
However, whilst Arsene Wenger was just as delighted to see the ball hit the back of the net as the thousands packed into the Emirates, the Frenchman did reveal how Ozil’s goal left him a little frustrated.
Speaking after the game, the Arsenal manager explained how Ozil – a man known for his ability to assist teammates at will – should actually be being more selfish in front of goal.
“It was an excellent goal,” Wenger said, via The Sun. “But he doesn’t take enough chances by shooting.”
And his frustration is born out of what he sees every day on the Arsenal training ground, and what he is told by the likes of Petr Cech on a regular basis.
“In training, he scores when he wants and the goalkeepers say how he is the hardest to read when it comes to where he is going to out the ball.
“I hope he takes confidence from that goal, and starts shooting more in games.”
Ozil’s goal today was his 23rd in 124 games for the Gunners which, for a midfielder, isn’t actually too bad a record. Moreover, he has now scored three goals in just five Premier League starts this season.
However, it certainly sounds like the 28-year-old has the potential to get himself on the scoresheet a lot more regularly moving forward if he changes his focus a little.
Whether that is really necessary considering his incredible assist record and Arsenal’s current front line, is unclear. Nevertheless, adding goals to his game would certainly make Ozil even more of a headache to deal with for opponents.
While Wenger laid out his wishes for Ozil today, he can’t be too frustrated with how Arsenal have been performing as a whole in recent weeks.
After an opening day defeat to Liverpool, the north London club has gone on a seven-game unbeaten run that has included six consecutive wins.
Their win over Swansea today means Arsenal are now behind only Manchester City in the Premier League table.