via @arsenal
So, what shall we talk about today? Oh… squad lists.
Mesut Özil has been bombed from our Premier League squad list until February at the very least, but the chances are, that’s him finished forever at Arsenal FC.
It’s always a shame to watch someone push the self-destruct button on their career, and let’s be clear, that’s exactly what Mesut Özil has done to himself.
Most of his downfall is related to one thing… a lack of application. This is not an ability problem, he’s one of the most capable footballers to have lived. No, the issue is he simply doesn’t want to apply himself in 2020.
Arsene Wenger, the mollycoddler in chief, decided that he’d let him take tough away days off. Unai Emery knew the German wouldn’t do a shift, so he attempted to exit him in Jan 2019, then he lost his bottle, reinstated him, and his job shortly after. Freddie couldn’t stand him.
Then Mikel landed.
He knew what might happen because everyone at the club explained. After playing most of the games pre-lockdown, the old Mesut, lurking in the wings, reared his uninterested head. He apparently missed team Zoom calls, he didn’t do the homework the club set/tracked, and those ‘injuries’ didn’t go unnoticed.
Additionally, he didn’t play the game on the pay cuts, deciding that he’d need more info on how Arsenal losing £90m in gate revenue might affect the finances. Now, I doubt this was the main sticking point. Auba, Kola, and Mustafi were also apparently against the move. The problem, I think, is that when you are trying to build a united culture, having your most high profile player doing all of the earlier explained issues, plus not accepting a pay cut, can cause optics issues.
I know some people will say he was correct on the pay cuts. On reflection, sure, we fucked-up our restructure and the comms were atrocious. However, football is a team game. Mesut Ozil didn’t take the cut, the young players did. That might seem ‘clever’ to some, but the reality is, he just looked like a selfish individual while everyone else is pulled for the greater good.
Performance on the pitch was also a problem. He is not the same player he was 5 years ago. He’s a traditional #10 in a world that doesn’t allow for them. Andy Carroll managed more assists last season than Özil has managed in two. He simply doesn’t impact games in the way he used to. Remember, he went from blowing it up with Giroud, to tanking with… Auba. All his stats cratered.
A lot of people are trying to insinuate this move is about his righteous attack on the Chinese for their disgraceful treatment of the Uighurs. Again, I’m not so sure. He played games after that happened. This is a player that also had a brutal human rights abuser at his wedding. He also avoided blowback then as well.
He’s out because of football reasons. He doesn’t apply himself, he’d prefer to win cheap PR points than fight to get back in the team. The whole drama is just so fucking boring.
Arteta is trying to create a high-performance culture at Arsenal. One that we’ve lacked for years. People that work alone tend not to understand what goes into creating an elite team culture, which is why the beta male types that had it so absurdly wrong when it came to talents like, say, Arsene Wenger… still have it wrong with Mesut Özil. An artful quip does not make a good manager, just like a high salary and a ‘READY’ tweet does not make an elite #10 in 2020.
In a high-performance culture, every single cog in your machine needs to be at the very top of its game. Any weakness brings down everyone else. Mesut Özil is now a weak cog. He doesn’t think the rules apply to him. If Arteta gives him a pass, he gives everyone a pass, he loses authority, and performance levels dip.
Elite culture is about setting agreed standards, holding people accountable to them, and acting swiftly if people step out of line. We finally have a coach that will do that. Very few in elite level sport have been around a more extreme performance-driven setup than Arteta had been at Manchester City. He’s not guessing, he knows. So let’s trust that he has this covered.
What is clear is this: Arteta has to crack creativity. We need to find internal solutions. Willian has to look like value. Thomas Partey can’t simply be a defensive shield. We need our attack to progress, otherwise, the Öziltologists will start petitions and writers from the Crouch-End-Beyond-Meat-bacon-sarnie-set will start making poetic noises about our heathen manager that they’ll claim only goes to battle with barbarian pillagers. We can’t have that. Let’s hope Arteta can simply prove out that he was right by delivering us a ‘now’ solution that’ll lay to rest a miserable 3 years of Mesut Özil.
Right, see you in the comments.
London
Looking like the beers will be on you then.
I’m seriously considering putting a tenner on Biden winning the election but dying before inauguration.
Agree with that Marc, having been in sales previously the worst thing is some pr*ck in marketing claiming the product can do stuff it clearly can’t.
He’s not the messiah…..
I would actually day saka is underrated
What talent at 19 whose English had played as well as him. Heck he put some amazing performances at 18…
Name me one English player of recent times whose been playing at this level of quality at that age? Sterling is the only one I can think of and he is an immense player (also massively underrated)
Bergkamp
With a knob of butter to add a bit of sheen!
I honestly think him going from German maestro to Turkish immigrant affected him on a deep mental level. Like scar.
He really enjoyed being seen as German. He hasn’t been the same since that world cup.. Its no coincidence he’s become a Muslim activist since then.
It’s not Arsenal’s job to make footballing decisions based on political stances, the only one making politics a part of the picture is Mesut. China or not, Erdogan or not, if the sporting world has ever shown us anything over and over, it’s that worthwhile players get every chance to play and succeed if they are good enough. Mesut not being good enough has been a topic of discussion for years. This is the furthest thing from a surprise. It’s only a story because of massive wages that were awarded to him by the same man trying to stick up… Read more »
Just one thing. I hope that this is the last time that there will be an article on this guy on the blog. What a waste of energy for everybody. That’s since he renewed his contract. Wenger, arrchhh
LG,
Well said Sir !
andy
You see if Pedro has said Arteta will get us relegated and have us spend 17 years in the Championship followed by two further relegations and bankruptcy all while the Spud’s join a European Super League and win it for 20 years on the trot playing the best football ever seen everyone would be quite happy with where we are right now.
Bergkamp63
I’m gonna assume that was for me and not London Gunner! I mean I agree Saka is amazing though 👌 My adopted son.
Speaking of, a real life Luteo Jr was born early yesterday AM! Another Gooner in the works.
Its so obvious ozil is one of those guys who thinks he’s that extra bit smarter than everyone else when in fact everyone can read his thoughts. He’s the guy who lies and thinks he’s fooled someone when in fact they’re just being nice and don’t want to embarrass his dumbass
If I fail at anything else in life I will at the very least teach him to be two-footed.
Luteo
Congrats man.
Luteo
Great news – everyone all safe and well?
Marc, sure you have to sell your guy heavily until he gets the job but then rather than doubling down (he’s been watching too much Trump) you throw it into reverse and lower expectations. PR 101 !!!
Congratulations Luteo! Sleep is overrated anyway..
Luteo
For fucks sake just don’t call him Pedro!
Those of us who are a little more pragmatic, realised from the very start of Arteta’s reign that it will take 2-3 years to rebuild this team and rid ourselves of the dross.
So far, so good from where I’m sitting.
A little patience required I think !
Luteo
Get in! The world has turned, congrats man. Best journey you’ll take, barring maybe the local pub which is now your lifeline.
Yes Luteo, it was for you,
And congrats !
Marc
Don’t jinx the team. European Super League could just pick SPUDS as the 5th team from England because FIFA prefer Mou than an unproven Arteta loading one of their member team.
Dissenter, HL, Marc genuinely appreciate the kind words, thank you 🙏
Marc yeah it’s looking good so far, still at hospital and wife is obviously worn out but we should be heading home shortly. All ten fingers and toes accounted for. Lad sure cries a lot though 😂
Nelson
I’d rather see the whole thing collapse – hopefully it will.
Congrats Luteo
“Lad sure cries a lot though 😂”
Maybe he’s an Ozil fanboy? He’s just a day old though so don’t judge him too harshly.
Sal thank you, I’ve already made plans for an outing with some of my mates this Friday 😂 We’ll see if it comes off haha
And cheers Charlie! Miles and miles to go before I sleep again.
Congrats and good luck Luteo. Puts things into perspective.
Bellerin. Apparently Arteta ‘adopted’ him when he came to London from Barca. Lived with Art and his wife in their house. Just heard it on You Tube last night. Anybody knows anything about this? Apparently there is a bit of a preferential treatment here due to past history…..
Freddie bite your tongue, my son is not a baby Pierre. Thanks though! 🙏
Marc Spanish names are far too common in my neck of the woods, so no Pedros here.
Peaceful demonstrations, oh you mean the pkk supporters , the same pkk that is described as a terrorist organisation by the west. So if we had isis supporters on the streets outside parliament you really think they’d be allowed to demonstrate? How long would it be before they had shit kicked out of them
Congrats Luteo! Great news!!
Luteo
Well, that’s a relief, one is more than enough.
Congratulations Luteo! Best fortunes to you and your entire Family!
Little Dariano Guenreira has a ring to it
Fuck Charlie you seriously almost made me spit out my coffee hahahah 🤣🤣🤣
Middle name at least? 😂
Loool Dariano Guenreira our new #9.
TYAGN
The protesters were in full view of the press. They were carrying placards and nothing else.
There was no need to for Erdogan’s guards to cross the road and beat them up in a foreign capital.
https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-us-canada-39979879
Andy, Ernest, redbro, and anyone else I may have missed…thank you so much 🙏
Imma hope for an early exit for RB Salzburg in the CL group so we can nab Szoboszlai in January. They’re in the same group as Bayern and Atletico so should be a given, hopefully they miss our on EL too so they need the money. Maybe sneak some of our negotiators in there while we’re in Austria tomorrow anyway. Don’t think we’re going to find an ideal internal solution to our creativity problem, the hope was Willian could do a job and maybe he still can but it’s not going to be at the level we need. ESR is… Read more »
sal
Forget #9 how about a CM – only a day old and already more mobile than Xhaka.
Erdogan is no different to any other leader. They’re in it for themselves all of them.
No worries mate, wish you all the best with the little one!
“”Upon signing my new contract in 2018, I pledged my loyalty and allegiance to the club that I love, Arsenal, and it saddens me that this has not been reciprocated. As I have just found out, loyalty is hard to come by nowadays.” It sure is Mesut, maybe next time you might want to carry a thesaurus with you to truly understand what “Loyalty” really means. As disingenuous and divisive an individual as you would ever come across. It was always up to Mesut as to whether he wanted to be part of solution or part of the problem. Take… Read more »
Congrats Luteo!
All the best to you and yours!
Marc
In fact the #10 is now open.
sal
Can’t do it – he’ll need special treatment, can’t be seen to be showing favouritism.
Luteo, congrats man, that’s great news!
I hope you are calling them Bukayo regardless of sex!
Here is a No 10. Saw this in my gym on the monitor while sweating on the treadmill. Made me think of our washed up ‘genius’.
https://youtu.be/7-a75w-FcDw
Really sad seeing Arsenal draw the curtains on Ozil this way, absolute shame for a player who was at a point billed for great things with the club, never nice seeing a player and Club fall out this way.
Wish he would just agree a pay out and cancel the whole thing at this stage. Still hanging around is obviously doing no one any good.
The support the has been has is scary, just look at the clubs latest facebook post about the banana kit, been up for 30 minutes and is filled with Ozil hash tags and condemnation of the club, saying how Ozil has been mistreated and how great he is. Mostly middle eastern names and I get that he’s big there and all but don’t they have any footage from the games of the last 2 years down there? He’s been shite for ages ffs, just let it go. Going to be such a massive difference for us when we can put… Read more »
Pedro thank you! I tested out Bukayo but the nurse immediately thought he was 12 yrs old when I mentioned it, so no go.
Bukayo is a unisex name so Bukayo Guenreira.
Legendary name.
Back to Ozil, how the hell did he get a 350,000 contract in the first place, way back in 2017 ? No one on this Arsenal team was worth that yet the club gave it to him. No wonder he’s felt untouchable since.
Luteo, probably a bit too old school for you but could you slip ‘Rocky’ in there somewhere?
Congrats Luteo! We need more American Gooners even if they are only a day old.
Good news indeed.
The Real Romford Pele Guenreira.
Done.
Mazel tov, Luteo!!
Obv call the boy Henry.
“Tom sounds like Sid, looool“
Sid, hardly.
Never criticized Arteta for any single transfer/ new deal no matter how much I was against it
and there were many. If anything, I’ve always looked for angles to perhaps justify the logic behind them.
Never suggested line ups , formations or dropping players either, and the closest to any criticism I’ve come to dishing out was the late subs in games that’s all.
Saying Arteta, by having made enough personnel decisions, became accountable is probably fair.
Also, never called him Diet Pep, Pep lite or whatever else it is you do.
Redbro
Hagi what a 10, had such a Maradona vibe, shame they couldn’t face each other in the 94 cup, Diego drug tested out before the two sides met in round of 16.
Oh Diego.
Oh dear…It’s like a kindergarten on Le Grove today…..
Embarrassing to be an Arsenal supporter these days …
“Embarrassing to be an Arsenal supporter these days …”
Even worse to be an Ozil supporter though isn’t it?
Luteo, congrats to you, wife and family!
Sleep is overrated lol you won’t get much from here on in. My one month old takes up all our time but its very worth it.
O.zil’s statement today confirms one element of this disastrous episode and that is that he likes the lifestyle he enjoys in London. It more or less confirms also the analysis presented by Mertesacker that life has moved on for Ozil from being a professional footballer to being a family man with interests outside football. Yes I am sure that Ozil enjoys playing football, but clearly not if it imposes on these other requirements in his life. Ozil has milked the situation since he ran down his last contract to its final 6 months and secured through his agent/lawyer a deal… Read more »
Pierre don’t be mad that my son as of today has about an equal chance of playing for Arsenal that your lover Mesut does.
That’s right Pierre, let all that pain and frustration out, it’s the only way to heal after a broken heart. Let the tears flow, we’re here for you in your time of need.
Just don’t pull a Falling Down on us and it’s all good.
Sorry.why is anyone even discussing Ozil? The guy is now officially HISTORY.Nothing more to discuss.He doesn’t bring anything to the club.So what’s to discuss? Move on ffs!
Luteo
Don’t sell your boy short, he’s got a far larger chance than that.
Falling Down.. what a film.
The drip drip drip affect of Mesut Ozil continues to drain the club.
Just imagine how things would have been if Ozil had left the club, as he should have done, three years back.
Ah yes, and right on cue, here’s Mesut’s loyal follower, pointing fingers at others rather than accepting that he’s the one in the wrong . Reminds me of Donald Trump.
Strange that he also plays golf?
Worst day of Pierre’s life.
The heartbreak is real. He’s so upset right now.
Can someone explain as to where the “Magic 5“ prem clubs comes from.? As widely reported.Havent seen anything concrete as to who they are? Just a lot of surmising as to who they would be? Based on European record by some,others status,wealth ,fan base .who are they?
Uwot
If only it was that simple.
Leftside thank you! Cheers to the fellow new father 🤜 🤛
Congrats Luteo!
Appreciated Luteo
Pierre, chin up – only eight months till you and Ozil can find a new club and be happy together again x
Uwot? Surely arsenal has got to be one of the 5?
Sal
It was a great film, haven’t watched it in ages but Pierres situation brought back the memories.
Graham
“drip drip drip” can’t read that without thinking about the Chapelle R Kelly parody, “I want to piss on you”
brilliant stuff.
drip drip drip
Congratulations Luteo. Wishing you all the very bet.
Best.
Graham all I’ve read is 18 teams.If I had to guess it would be the following.Which I’m sure many would disagree.BUT here goes:Liverpool,Man City,manure,chavs,us & spuds ( 6 England)Benfica,sporting Lisbon 2 Portugal),Juventus,Ac & inter Milan(3 Italy),Real Madrid,Athletico & Barca(3 Spain),PSG & Lyon (2 France),Bayern Munich & Dortmund ( 2 Germany)……This leaves out the likes of Ajax,PSV( Holland),Celtic & Ranger( Scotland) & Anderlecht ( Belgium) & no Greek or Turkish clubs?Hmmmmmmmmm
Victorious.Youd thinks so.But could be shit stirring media.As you know on a wind up.
“Oh dear…It’s like a kindergarten on Le Grove today”
Spoken like the true founder of the Mesut Ozil Fan Club, eh Pierre!
Two things remain factual throughout all of this pathetic saga…Ozil is a complete and utter fraud and you are a true and absolute melt in your defense of the prima donna.
Mid, Jamie thank you! I missed your posts. The outpouring of congratulations here has been amazing 🥺
Mee, Karsa thanks to you as well.
My one day old son has already received far more love on LeGrove than his namesake Dariano v1.0 😂
I read somewhere that the team is saving money not playing him as he has an appearances clause in his massive contract…. good for them.
I think if Ozil put the effort in he might have had a chance.
The sick days, the social media BS, the body language on the field, so much … the club did the right thing…
And Sokratis too….. not sure what his deal is
Uwot
Sorry mate, I was responding to your earlier post on Ozil.
Defending the indefensible.
That’s Pierre’s daily agenda.
Gulp!! Is this bullying?
“I think if Ozil put the effort in he might have had a chance.” And that really is what his predicament boils down to SF, if he really wanted to play all that was ever asked of him was to put in the work and effort, just like the other 24 guys on the team. This all went horribly wrong when Wenger decided to be his Sugar Daddy rather than a manager of a club. You can knock Emery for many things but calling out Ozil as he did remains true and valid even today. Spin this any way you… Read more »
I think the prime example of Luis Suarez and Gareth Bale this summer suggests that if Mesut Ozil had any pride, shame or aspirations as a professional footballer , he would have taken a deal elsewhere and played some games. Arsenal did the right thing , albeit a little too late.
Ozil is an appalling entitled professional, professional should be used loosely when it comes to him. His fan club are bereft of reality and as untruthful as he is. He made those comments in regards to China before Arteta joined. This is what is conveniently omitted by the fan club. Arteta still started him in all but one the next 12 or so games. It has everything to do with his poor desire, team work and application in 2020 (arguably since 2017) why he is not in our plans and he would have been well aware of this before this… Read more »
salparadisenyc
October 21, 2020 14:31:05
Sending a lil message out to our Nigerian LG’rs, keep it chill, keep it safe.
News sounds sketchy on this end.
…..
it’s been a sad day over here
And I really hope Ozil takes his group of syncophants including a grown male pensioner when he slings his hook.
Ozil is mounting a fantastic PR campaign, as much as I dislike him I have to admire the his instinct to the grab the PR advantage,
I just wish he has the same desire on the field.
Congrats luteo.
Fuck Ozil
He bent the club over, when Alexis was also playing hard ball for more $
He was ecstatic when our other star left. Of course, he would be the hero who stayed… but the reality is that he knew we were desperate and his agent and he milked this … for $$$
He immediately sucked ass after signing da ting
Na me oooOctober 21, 2020 16:57:47 Back to Ozil, how the hell did he get a 350,000 contract in the first place, way back in 2017 ? No one on this Arsenal team was worth that yet the club gave it to him. ———— Short version: Summer of 2017 Ox decided against Wenger’s wishes to ditch Arsenal for Liverpool, who just pipped us for the fourth CL spot, while also taking a pay cut. Not a good look for the already under pressure Wenger. Ozil and Sanchez entered their last year and Sanchez also made it clear he wanted out… Read more »
Graham 62 Frankly I don’t think that there is any longer a “drip drip” impact on the club. A decision was taken in June by the club not to play Ozil. Over last 2 weeks that decision has been visibly implemented by club not registering player with UEFA and EPL. So one suspects that the only people who were left until now with the idea that Ozil could/should play is the player himself and perhaps a small number of posters /supporters who still believe that Ozil is a football asset. It will be interesting to see what Ozil does in… Read more »
Dissenter
You say Ozil’s mounting a great PR campaign – who is he reaching that matters?
Are people really using Bale as an example of a respectful model professional?
Are we talking about the same guy who Real Madrid had tried to get rid for the last few years. The one Who despite being injured half his time in Spain has spend more time on the golf course than learning the language.
The guy who trolled Real Madrid with his flag with Wales, Golf and Real Madrid to show the order of importance.
Can you imagine if Özil had been pictured with a flag Turkey, my wife, Arsenal?
“Can you imagine if Özil had been pictured with a flag Turkey, my wife, Arsenal?”
Why is your wife a keen Golfer?
Today on Le Grove reminds me of the day it was announced Wenger was leaving . The usual very chidiish reaction and disrespect to someone who brought trophies and enjoyment to Arsenal fans the world over. Wenger leaving didn’t turn out how the obsessives expected it to did it. I have reminded the know nothings on here a few times that the football they are watching is what they deserve. Turgid , boring and very difficult to watch….it’s what you asked for so don’t complain. It will not give me any pleasure to again remind them in a couple of… Read more »