After a world-class performance vs Leicester, it’s clear that £42.4m star is the right choice for Arsenal captaincy – opinion

Mesut Ozil looks completely different under Unai Emery this season

It was another glittering performance from Unai Emery’s Arsenal who romped to a 3-1 victory against Leicester City in the Premier League. Though the Gunners made a slow start to the game and conceded an unfortunate own goal via Hector Bellerin, Emery’s men turned the tide in the second half.

It was another superb substitution from the Spanish manager who brought on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to hand the Gunners all three points. Though the former Borussia Dortmund striker scored the winning goals, it was Mesut Ozil who showed the winning mentality throughout the game.

The German has been in scintillating form under the new manager and has never looked better than what he is right now. His majestic performance against the Foxes was probably his best display in an Arsenal jersey.

Not once did Ozil put a foot wrong in the entire game. This really is the type of performance that is expected from the former Real Madrid man on a regular basis. Emery also chose to make the German the captain on the night and such motivation seems to be working in Ozil’s favour.

The German, who was signed by the Gunners in 2013 for £42.4m, has scored 3 goals and provided 1 assist in 7 appearances this season. Those are probably some of the best numbers the midfielder has produced in recent times. Ozil is often criticised for his lack of commitment and work rate on the field. (Stats courtesy – Whoscored)

But the former Real Madrid midfielder is enjoying a superb start to the campaign and things can only get better from here on. Ozil is now the top-scoring German in the Premier League with 30 goals and there’s certainly more to come from him. (Stats courtesy – Premier League)

He is pulling all the strings at the club and is also killing off the moves in stylish fashion. With Lucas Torreira doing all the defending and dirty work in the middle of the park, Ozil can now focus on playing his game. The Gunners were often left too exposed at the back and the German was expected to track back and support the defence.

Read more: Arsenal must not think twice to splash £52m on this rising star – Aubameyang and Lacazette would flourish

But Arsenal have shored things up at the back this time out and that could be another major reason for Ozil’s return to prominence this season. Unai Emery should definitely hand the captaincy to the German and give him the feeling of being a leader in the squad. Arsenal have very much gone under the radar this season despite picking up their 10th consecutive win, but it could all work in the club’s favour.