Arsenal returned to winning ways after losing their last two games with a 3-1 victory over Burnley at the Emirates.
Mesut Ozil found himself back in the team after being dropped against Tottenham mid-week.
Head coach Unai Emery responded to rumors of there being a rift with himself and Ozil by giving the playmaker of Turkish origin the captains armband.
The 30-year-old responded by putting on an impressive display completing 47 of 50 passes attempted. Making all 17 passes attempted in the final third. Providing an assist and getting a pre-assist.
His pass in the lead up to the opening goal was simply outstanding. Ozil managed to predict where Kolasinac would be with an incredible pass displaying fantastic vision.
I mean, I’m not an ozil fan boy, but this guys vision is on a different planet. 1 of the best through balls I’ve ever seen. pic.twitter.com/LBbTVW2NGr
— Sergio ?⚪ (@Sergio_Star) December 22, 2018
We took a look at how Arsenal fans reacted to Ozil’s display on social media.
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Suffice to say most Gunners supporters appeared in a pretty good mood following the match.
Kolasinac wasn’t even in the picture when Ozil made the pass.
This is the vision of Ozil. pic.twitter.com/MnC8iX9EYe— P™ (@Cechque) December 22, 2018
Vision level ?
Sitting here still struggling to figure out how @MesutOzil1088 played in @seadk6 ?
#ARSBUR pic.twitter.com/RxRmctNrSd— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) December 22, 2018
It was a huge statement from Emery to give Özil the armband.
Could have given it to Xhaka instead.
He wanted to make it clear to everyone that Arsenal need a player of Ozil’s quality & he delivered today.
Proves the media were just trying to create problems with baseless rumours— P™ (@Cechque) December 22, 2018
This is why you pay Ozil £350k pw. This pass needs an explanation. //t.co/SkWonBZ0GV
— Lacazettes (@Lacazettes) December 22, 2018
OZIL WOW! How many players in world football would have seen that pass bar Messi?
— Dostoyevsky (@KozielloEN) December 22, 2018
That’s what Mesut Ozil can do, tease a ball through tight spaces. Such a gifted footballer with vision and technique. Issues with consistency, tracking back, seizing games against the elite etc, but the talent is undeniable. Emery challenging Ozil could be the making of him. #afc
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) December 22, 2018
Today @MesutOzil1088 really showed how much we missed him against Huddersfield.
He’s clearly our most creative player & we’d be a much better team if Özil was playing week in week out & playing to his full potential.Hope Emery can get the best out of him. ??
— Moh Haider (@ArsenalMoh8) December 22, 2018
When Ozil sets up a goal with a World Class pass…. pic.twitter.com/vh2lWKSkn7
— MysticMemz (@Durchiga) December 22, 2018
OZIL PASS OF THE CENTURY OMGGGGGGGGG. AUBA SCORES. 1-0 ARSENAL.
— LTArsenal™️ (@ltarsenal) December 22, 2018
Brilliant!
John Cross: Unai Emery and Mesut Ozil have massive training ground bust up and the club want Ozil sold
Unai Emery: Mesut, you’re captain today.
I love this game sometimes…
— Nate Smith (@nws13) December 22, 2018
Stats!
Mesut Ozil captains the team in his 1st PL start since v Wolves on November 11.
Ozil has created the most PL chances for the Gunners this season (22), but has only 1 assist, against Leicester on October 22 pic.twitter.com/4CNwTf4HDO
— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) December 22, 2018