Arsenal strolled into 2020 with style as Mikel Arteta, their freshly appointed head coach, tallied his first win in the new job.
The fact that it was a 2-0 triumph over none other than Manchester United makes it that much more thrilling and important, and it seems that the fans have already recognised which players put in a real shift at the Emirates in front of their home crowd.
They were quick to jump to social media and Twitter to laud Mesut Ozil.
He tallied one key pass, one completed dribble and 84.3% passing accuracy on the night. But even more importantly, he recovered possession more times than any other Arsenal player on the pitch and also ran the furthest with 11.53km.
It seems they think their playmaker is back in form and deserves to be praised for it.
Here are some of their initial reactions…
Of course, this was a nod at some of Ozil’s previous displays that left a lot to be desired and even his attitude was questionable prior to Arteta’s appointment.
But now when he seems motivated and back to his very best, the German midfielder is already showing the quality he possesses and was thus instrumental to the Gunners’ triumph.
Can you get full marks on the Ultimate Arsenal Quiz? Test your knowledge below…
But some fans insisted that former manager Unai Emery who was holding Ozil back during his spell in charge, with one even saying the Spaniard should be put on trial for crimes against football!
Interestingly enough, one fan even urged the club to give Ozil “an infinite contract”, which would indicate that he wants the playmaker to finish his career at Arsenal.
His current deal expires in 2021 and it remains to be seen what the club’s stance on the German is going to be now that Arteta is in charge.
In other news, maybe it would be for the best if Arsenal allowed one of their biggest stars to leave the club…
