When Arsenal broke their transfer record in 2013 to sign Mesut Özil for £42.5 million from Real Madrid, it sent shockwaves through the footballing world. For years, Arsène Wenger’s side had been accused of lacking star power, but Özil’s arrival brought instant excitement and world-class creativity to North London. Over his seven and a half years at the club, the German maestro produced countless moments of magic, redefining Arsenal’s attacking play with his vision, intelligence, and technical brilliance.
Here are ten unforgettable performances that capture the essence of Özil’s Arsenal career:
1. Debut Assist vs Sunderland (September 2013)
Özil wasted no time making an impression. On his debut at the Stadium of Light, he controlled a lofted pass effortlessly before sliding a perfect assist for Olivier Giroud to score. That one touch and pass summed up what Arsenal had bought: elegance, vision, and composure under pressure. It set the tone for his career in London.
2. Arsenal 2-0 Napoli (Champions League, October 2013)
On a magical European night at the Emirates, Özil announced himself fully to the Arsenal faithful. He opened the scoring with a stunning half-volley finish and then delivered an inch-perfect assist to Giroud. His combination of calm finishing and creative mastery orchestrated one of Arsenal’s best Champions League displays of the decade.
3. Arsenal 3-0 Manchester United (October 2015)
Against a strong United side, Özil produced a masterclass. Arsenal blew United away in the opening 20 minutes, with Özil assisting Alexis Sánchez and then finishing off a sweeping move himself. His sharp passing and relentless movement dismantled Louis van Gaal’s defense and showcased his ability to shine in the biggest league games.
4. Arsenal 3-0 Dinamo Zagreb (Champions League, November 2015)
This match was all about Özil’s control of the tempo. He opened the scoring with a header—rare for him—and constantly dictated play. His creativity pulled Dinamo apart, and he was central to keeping Arsenal’s Champions League hopes alive in the group stages.
5. Arsenal 3-0 Manchester United (January 2016, FA Cup)
Once again against United, Özil was at the heart of Arsenal’s dominance. His subtle passing and clever movement created repeated chances, with his assist for Danny Welbeck’s winner standing out. He showed that he could rise to the occasion in knockout football, keeping Arsenal’s FA Cup defense alive.
6. Arsenal 5-2 Leicester City (September 2015)
In a wild game against the future champions, Özil delivered a breathtaking performance. His vision split Leicester’s defense several times, and he set up goals with precision. It was a match that highlighted his ability to thrive in fast-paced, end-to-end encounters.
7. Arsenal 2-0 Bayern Munich (October 2015, Champions League)
Against Pep Guardiola’s Bayern, Özil delivered one of his most disciplined yet decisive performances. Late in the game, with Arsenal defending a 1-0 lead, he popped up with a crucial second goal. Though scrappy, it secured one of Wenger’s most famous European wins and cemented Özil as a difference-maker on the big stage.
8. Arsenal 5-0 Aston Villa (February 2015)
Özil was unplayable. He scored once, assisted another, and continually opened up Villa’s defense with elegant through balls. His link-up play with Giroud was at its peak, and this game showed the full spectrum of his creative arsenal.
9. Arsenal 5-2 Everton (October 2018)
One of Özil’s last truly magical Emirates performances. He ran the show from midfield, scoring once and assisting twice. His combination play with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was devastating, reminding fans why he was once hailed as the best No. 10 in the world.
10. FA Cup Final vs Aston Villa (May 2015)
Though Alexis Sánchez stole the headlines with a thunderbolt goal, Özil’s performance in the final was outstanding. He controlled the midfield with sublime passing, constantly finding pockets of space, and ensured Arsenal dominated possession. His calmness and vision helped secure back-to-back FA Cups for Wenger’s side.
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🏆 Legacy at Arsenal
254 appearances
44 goals & 77 assists
3 FA Cups, 1 Community Shield
Mesut Özil’s time at Arsenal may have ended in a bittersweet manner, but his impact during his peak years was undeniable. He brought artistry and creativity back to the Emirates, and his ability to find passes that few others could see made him one of the most gifted playmakers in Premier League history.
Mesut Ozil S top ten matches for arsenal