Arsenal fans like Mesut Özil. They really like Mesut Özil.
Ever since the moment he signed for the Gunners on transfer deadline day three years ago, Arsenal fans have gone out of their way to praise the German playmaker and have developed a borderline obsession with their number 11.
There were worries at first that he might not be able to live up to the hype of being the most expensive player in Arsenal history, but the former Real Madrid player has justified his £42.5m fee since joining.
And on Saturday, he was in the form of his life as Arsenal tore apart their London rivals – and notorious bogey team – Chelsea in a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Antonio Conte’s men.
Özil was the star of the show for many, and capped a terrific performance with his team’s third and final goal of the match, showing determination that has sometimes been lacking from his game as he brought the ball from deep in his own half all the way to the edge of the Chelsea box, before performing a slick one-two with Alexis Sanchez that ended with the German volleying past Thibaut Courtois.
Ozil ended Kante's career.
— Sam (@samuelJayC) September 24, 2016
It was a good day at the office for Özil, who looks like he might be adding more goals to his well-documented assists.
After the final whistle, Arsenal fans were in a jubilant mood having recorded a rare league victory over the Blues.
Before heading down the tunnel for a well-earned shower, Özil loitered a bit to take in the applause of the Emirates faithful before throwing his shirt into the crowd for a young fan to catch.
The look on his face says it all.
You need to see this!
@MesutOzil1088 has made this kid's dream come true#AFCvCFC 🔴3-0🔵 pic.twitter.com/boFHjKWt7g
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 24, 2016
Catch up on the first episode of Football Friday Live…