There were a few pre-match doubts as to whether Özil was going to start, after returning to first team action during our goalless draw away at Leicester last weekend.
It took less than 10 minutes for the midfielder to create a goal-scoring chance – as his excellent lofted ball into the area caused all kinds of problems for makeshift full-back Nordin Amrabat to deal with. His rash charge took Alexis Sánchez clean out and a penalty-kick was rightly awarded. Santi Cazorla slotted home from 12 yards and the momentum was firmly in our favour just minutes after the first whistle.
It could’ve been 2-0 but for a fine low stop by Heurelho Gomes after a neat passing exchange between Mesut and Alexis as we edged closer to the Watford area. A quick one-two saw the ball perfectly weighted on a plate for the Chilean but he was unfortunate not to convert from close-range after some encouraging build-up play.
Sánchez got his goal to double the scoring shortly before the half-time whistle and with a minute of stoppage time to play, the atmosphere inside Vicarage Road was deathly silent from the home supporters. Then out of seemingly nowhere, Özil popped up in space and scored a well-taken header from close-range.
Watford players were caught ball-watching as Alexis kept possession on the flank, patiently waiting for a runner to create space so he could pass the ball forward. Özil did well not to attract any midfield runners and was consequently left unmarked, allowing Sánchez to deliver a pinpoint ball into his path – and he made no mistake from close-range to hammer a devastating blow on the stroke of the half-time interval.
Mesut was substituted with twenty minutes left to play alongside Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as Arsène Wenger opted for fresh legs to counteract Watford’s high pressure after Roberto Pereyra pulled one back at the end of a scramble in the box.
He finished the match with a modest 81% pass completion rate and although his impact was lessened in the second-half, the decision to include him from the offset proved pivotal as we looked dangerous on the counter and sharp in-front of goal.
It was evident that we lacked a cutting edge during our last result, and with Özil being a key cog in our attacking machine, it’s essential that we continue playing to his strengths.
As I outlined after the Leicester result, it was clear that bringing on Mesut allowed Alexis freedom to roam in the final third, as opposed to grafting for half-chances. Their connection seemed telepathic at times today and slick passing moves made the whole spectacle a joy to watch.
Koscielny was excellent at the King Power, Özil the same today and after registering our first victory of the new campaign it seems the international break has arrived at the worst possible time with all of our key players building themselves back to 100% fitness.