Usually putting chances on a plate for others, Mesut Özil gobbled up his first sight at goal on Sunday to smash Arsenal into the lead.

It was a tricky afternoon at Bournemouth for the Gunners, but for 90 seconds midway through the first half when Mesut Özil and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scored the only goals of the game. In a cagey affair where Arsenal couldn’t control the play, Özil may have been accused of going missing a year ago, but not anymore.

His goal wasn’t enough to satisfy, and the German worked tirelessly all afternoon to earn praise from the manager.

“He has become a very important player,” Arsène Wenger told the press after his side clinched all three points. “He has added a fighting attitude today. It was a top, top, top performance from him today.

“He scored with his right foot which is very interesting for us. If he scores with his right foot he will become even stronger.”

Usually favouring his left side, Özil doesn’t do much but stand with his right foot. In truth he doesn’t need to, but he provided everyone with a timely reminder of his quality after a slight lull in form.

A goal against Bournemouth back in December was pure class with his left, carefully placing the ball under Artur Boruc. This one was different, smashed with his right foot before Boruc even knew what was happening.

After four winless games, and three without a goal, it would’ve been easy for Arsenal and Özil to go missing on Sunday. The German did the very opposite and kept the Gunners in the hunt for the title.