• FA Cup

Wenger hails 'regenerated' Ozil ahead of Bayern clash

ESPN staff
March 9, 2014
Arsenal advance to FA Cup semi-finals


Arsene Wenger believes Mesut Ozil looks "regenerated" following his return to the Arsenal starting line-up and praised the midfielder for his "dirty work."

Ozil scored the opening goal as Arsenal marched into the FA Cup semi-finals with a 4-1 win against Everton on Saturday.

The 25-year-old, who moved for a club record £42.5 million from Real Madrid last summer, had not started for the club since he missed a penalty in their 2-0 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich on February 19.

Wenger's side travels to Bayern for the return leg on Tuesday and the manager is hoping Ozil's return to form will further inspire his star player.

"What I liked is that physically he looked regenerated, having more power in his runs. As well, what I liked was that he did a lot of what you would call 'dirty work'," Wenger said.

"For a player like him, that means he tracked back in the first half, especially on the counter-attack, he came back with long runs and when he behaves like that, of course, you have a better chance to win.

"It was important for him to take his chance because sometimes he looks for the good pass instead. I hope that will encourage him."

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