For once, the media headlines surrounding Mesut Ozil are mainly focused on his performance on the pitch, in the wake of Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Newcastle.

A calmly taken goal at St James’s Park would have been a welcome sight after a difficult few months for the German international, and the victory maintains the Gunners’ recovery after a slow start to the season.

The strike even drew comparisons with former Arsenal favourite Dennis Bergkamp, so there are many reasons for supporters to be cheerful in the wake of the latest win.

Role to Play

The win over Newcastle lifted Arsenal up to seventh in the table, and while the side hasn’t quite overtaken bitter rivals Tottenham, momentum is now with the Gunners after three straight wins. Spurs suffered their second consecutive defeat at home to Liverpool at the weekend.

Unai Emery’s side should, however, be looking at loftier targets than finishing above Spurs and restoring St Totteringham’s Day.

After years of underachievement, ultimate success in the league has to be the target for the new manager, but it looks unlikely to come this year as the odds on Arsenal to win league 2019 are way out at 85/1.

That’s not exactly a ringing endorsement, but at the very least, the club should be looking to get back in the Champions League places. Based on his display at St James’s Park, Mesut Ozil can have an important part to play.

Upbeat

Ozil’s comments on Arsenal’s official website were in stark contrast to stories that have dogged the German since the 2018 World Cup. The former Real Madrid man spoke in upbeat terms about his role in the side and how the fans have continued to back him since he arrived at the Emirates back in 2013.

The player rounded off the interview by acknowledging the comparisons with Bergkamp but he declared that he has his own style and that he was ‘not finished yet.’ What really shines through from those comments is the player’s confidence in his own ability, and fans would hope that his Newcastle goal is the trigger for a positive 2018/19 campaign.

Rumours Linger

It seems that some areas of the media aren’t content to let Arsenal supporters enjoy the moment. While much of the attention is on Mesut Ozil’s role in the Newcastle game, rumours of a transfer away from the Emirates continue to linger, with fresh stories emerging that link the German with a switch to Manchester United in January.

The report seems to have come from the Daily Express, but it has been picked up by many publications in the media, and it’s bad timing from an Arsenal point of view. What Ozil needs is a period of stability that will allow him to do his talking on the pitch, and to build on that impressive display in the victory over Newcastle United.

Sadly, it’s likely that transfer rumours will linger, even though there are over three months left until the window opens again. Hopefully the player can ignore them and, for the sake of Arsenal fans, deliver more match-winning displays over the remainder of the season.