Özil hat-trick helps Arsenal overwhelm Ludogorets
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
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Mesut Özil scored a hat-trick for the first time in his career to help Arsenal to a 6-0 home win against Ludogorets Razgrad that leaves them well placed at the Group A summit.
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Arsenal are top of Group A following a masterly 6-0 victory against Ludogorets Razgrad. Alexis Sánchez and Theo Walcott scored delightful goals before the break with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain making it 3-0 prior to Mesut Özil's treble.
Arsène Wenger's team were on the front foot from the off, Alexis starting the rout on 13 minutes with the most magical lob over Vladislav Stoyanov. Ludogorets had their moments – Wanderson hit a post – yet Walcott continued his fine form with a curling effort that made it seven goals in his last six club appearances.
The Gunners did not waste much time after the interval either, Oxlade-Chamberlain finishing calmly on 47 minutes. Then came the Özil show. The German international struck all three of his goals in the closing 35 minutes to register his first senior hat-trick and set the seal on an emphatic three points.
Key player: Mesut Özil (Arsenal)
Further proof of this majestic player's superb form. He pulled the strings perfectly in midfield as usual, but this time augmented his display with a hat-trick.
Fortune does not favour the bold
Ludogorets' approach was unusually brave for an away team coming to Arsenal, especially in the group stage. They began brightly and never hinted at showing any circumspection even after conceding the first early on. They had their chances in that opening period but could have easily conceded a second before they did, such was their openness – indeed they were still pushing forward when Özil caught them on the counter for the fourth. Laudable or naive?
Ludogorets must tighten up
Ludogorets hit a brick wall. Their style is attractive, but equally risky and dangerous. If they want to finish third in the section they will have to find a way of grinding out results by performing solidly. For now it looks unlikely they will stop leaking goals.
Reporters' views
Andy Brassell, Arsenal (@UEFAcomAndyB)
This was a curious match, especially in the first half when two Arsenal goals of imperious quality bookended 45 minutes that were a blur of end-to-end action. Ludogorets fully played their part and Oxlade-Chamberlain's goal in the second minute of the second period was met by a curious sort of relief from the home fans. From there on in, it was pure enjoyment for the north London faitful, who are watching their side develop into one of the competition's dark horses given their firepower.
Stoyan Georgiev, Ludogorets (@UEFAcomStoyanG)
It is worth emphasizing that Ludogorets have to be aiming for third place in Group A rather than a round of 16 qualifying berth. Paris and Arsenal on a different level, meaning the matchday five home fixture against Basel is likely to be decisive. If they want to progress, they must adapt.