Ferdinand hails Ozil’s performance in Arsenal’s win over Man United
Rio Ferdinand hailed Mesut Ozil’s showing in Arsenal’s 2-0 victory against Manchester United on Wednesday evening.
The German playmaker was instrumental in the Gunners’ improved showing at the Emirates, and the former United defender believes Ozil is enjoying life under new head coach Mikel Arteta.
The 37-year-old guided Arsenal to the first win of his tenure against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side in north London.
And Ozil’s promising start to life under Arteta continued amid hopes that he could finally rediscover his best form after the departure of former boss Unai Emery.
Arteta had even warned Ozil that he would axe the 31-year-old if he refused to buy into his work ethic, but the arrival of the Spaniard appears to have invigorated his former teammate instead.
According to Ferdinand, Ozil appears a much happier figure under the new manager – who had shared a dressing room with the ex-Real Madrid star for three years.
Speaking on BT Sport, he said: ‘Look at that from Ozil, I think that is the first time I’ve seen him smile in 18 months, and that’s because he must be enjoying training.’
Ferdinand also stressed that the hosts had outmatched their opponents in every department, and reserved particular praise for Arsenal’s shape.
He added: ‘Arsenal showed a discipline we have not seen on a consistent basis and there is a structure which allows players to be confident. They were quicker and they were stronger.’
‘That is the first time I’ve seen him smile in 18 months’
Rio Ferdinand LAUDS Mesut Ozil’s performance in Arsenal’s win over Manchester United and hails Mikel Arteta’s impact on Gunners squadhttps://t.co/8tWarCmLV4
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) January 2, 2020
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Arsenal eased to three points after first-half goals from Nicolas Pepe and Sokratis Papastathopoulos, with the visitors once again left ruing an opportunity to close the gap on the Champions League spots.
Ferdinand later suggested that Arteta’s ranks believe in the new man at the helm, saying: ‘When you don’t believe in a manager that subconsciously takes the edge off a performance.
‘There must have been conversations with individual players where Arteta has said “You’re my guy”.’