Mesut Ozil has become Arsenal’s Mr. Reliable. The German has created the most number of chances (137) than any other player in Premier League history. In the game against Sunderland, Ozil surpassed ex-Chelsea player Frank Lampard who held the record for 134 chances created in a single season (via Sky Sports).
A win in January against Leicester City saw Mesut Ozil become only the 13th player to create more than 100 chances in a Premier League season. Also, Ozil has assisted 18 times this season and is only 2 assists away from equalling Thierry Henry’s record of 20.
However, to equal or surpass Henry, Ozil has only a few more games left, as Arsenal play at home against Norwich City, away to Manchester City and last game at home against relegated Aston Villa.
“Opta defines chance created as an assist or the final pass or pass-cum-shot leading to the recipient of the ball having an attempt at goal without scoring.”
Despite his consistency, Ozil failed to make it into the PFA Team of the Year, which left Arsene Wenger shocked as well. So many chances being created by a single player that didn’t lead to a large number of goals reflects the lack of a finisher in Arsenal. Arsenal desperately needs a signing which can turn these chances into a substantial amount goals.
