The Arsenal midfielder was superb in the win over FC Basel.
Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Basel proved to be a routine affair for Arsenal as they ran out 2-0 winners.
Two goals from Theo Walcott, continuing his fine early season form, saw them to a victory and up into first place in Group A.
In truth, it was a game that Arsene Wenger’s side dominated throughout and they should have won by a bigger margin given the chances they enjoyed.
Their midfield was particularly impressive, with the likes of Santi Cazorla, Granit Xhaka and Mesut Ozil helping Arsenal to dominate the ball and create numerous chances.
| Position | Team | Match | Successful Final Third Passes | Mins Played | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mesut Özil | MF | Arsenal | Arsenal vs Basel | 34 | 90 |
| Santiago Cazorla | MF | Arsenal | Arsenal vs Basel | 30 | 90 |
| Dani Alves | DF | Juventus | Dinamo Zagreb vs Juventus | 30 | 90 |
| Ben Davies | DF | Tottenham | CSKA Moscow vs Tottenham | 29 | 90 |
| Adrien Silva | MF | Sporting | Sporting vs Legia Warszawa | 27 | 90 |
As usual one of the star men was Ozil, as he posted more successful passes in the final third than any other player in the game.
Indeed, his tally of 34 was actually the most managed by any player in all of the Champions League games this week.
That total put him ahead of teammate Cazorla, who managed 30, as well as the likes of Juventus star Dani Alves, Tottenham’s Ben Davies and Adrien Silva of Sporting Lisbon.
Arsenal will be hoping for more of the same when they take on Ludogorets next time around as they eye first place in Group A and a favourable draw in the first knockout stage.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
