by Lewis Ambrose

Arsenal trounced Olympique Lyonnais 6-0 on Saturday in the Emirates Cup and Mesut Özil was the main man.

At his very best Özil conducted Arsenal attacks throughout the first half. The German found and created space for himself and others, carving Lyon apart as he laid on goals for Olivier Giroud and Aaron Ramsey in the first half.

The second half saw the German a little quieter after the break until he came off, but he did manage to net one goal for himself before being subbed off. Arsène Wenger was thrilled with his playmaker’s performance and has tipped him to have his best season since joining Arsenal two years ago.

“He missed the whole first part of the season last year and he came back to his best level in the second part of the season,” Wenger told the press after the game. “Hopefully he can deliver a whole season now.”

Özil was criticised last season as he, and Arsenal got off to a rocky start. He missed pre-season after winning the World Cup with Germany and was made to play out wide instead of through the middle. After returning from injury his form improved and the critics quietened.

“He had a difficult start to the season but slowly, in the second part of the season, he won over our fans. Feeling the reaction now in the crowd, I feel that he has their support,” explained the Arsenal manager.

This time around Özil will have to enjoy a fast start to the campaign as Arsenal face the test of Liverpool visiting the Emirates Stadium before August is even over and a trip to Chelsea beckons in September. With much expected of Arsenal and Özil this year tickets for Arsenal v Liverpool are going to be even harder to come by than usual with the game taking place so early while spirits are high. You will be able to get them at Ticketbis.

For now, though, it is clear that Özil has the support of everyone at Arsenal. A truly outstanding player that Wenger can build a team around. If he has his best season in England so far, the Gunners are in for a treat.