Ozil has to be Arsenal first-team regular, says Jamie Carragher
Mesut Ozil’s eye-catching return at Liverpool is evidence he has to be a first-team regular at Arsenal, says Jamie Carragher.
Ozil, making his first appearance since September and only his third start of the season, lit up the Carabao Cup fourth-round tie with a timely reminder of the scintillating attacking flair he possesses.
The German had a hand in three Gunners goals, including an instinctive drag-back for Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ effort early in the second half, before being substituted on 65 minutes to a chorus of boos from the travelling Arsenal contingent, who were displeased with Unai Emery’s decision.
Arsenal would go on to surrender a lead for the third time in Ozil’s absence as Divock Origi’s 94th-minute equaliser confirmed a thrilling 5-5 draw before the Premier League leaders prevailed into the quarter-finals 5-4 on penalties.
“I said before the game that Ozil should run the game, he’s a World Cup winner playing against younger players,” Sky Sports pundit Carragher said. “He was really good and his role in both goals was fantastic, he showed his class and composure.
“I’m not Ozil’s biggest fan but you cannot tell me he is not good enough to get into this Arsenal team, this isn’t a great Arsenal team. The criticism with