'Ozil needed Sanchez to move to United'

The duo were seen as Arsenal's best players before the Chilean striker moved to rivals United in January in a direct swap with Henrikh Mkhitaryan, but now it will be up to Ozil to lead the 'Gunners' to success.

At least that is what footballer-turned-pundit Tony Cottee believes, as he analysed Arsene Wenger's side ahead of their League Cup final against Manchester City on Sunday.

Speaking about the German midfielder, the former striker said: "I think he is [now Arsenal's key player]. Perhaps Ozil needed Sanchez to move on. There's no doubt Sanchez was that main figure for Arsenal and I think, now he's gone, Ozil will step up to the plate".

"He's such a tremendous player and I think he's easy prey if things aren't going so well. If Arsenal are losing games, it's 'Ozil's not working hard enough'. I think we forget all the assists and all the goals he scores".

He concluded: "He's a top player, but nowadays you can't just stroll around and not do the defensive side of things". 

Turning his attention to Ozil's potential influence in the final against City, Cottee said: "With someone like Ozil, you've got to let him roam around a little bit. He's a joy to watch when he's on form. If Arsenal want to beat Manchester City, he needs to be on his game."

The London club will battle it out on Sunday with their Premier League rivals for the first real piece of silverware for the season, although the 'Gunners' have to negotiate their Europa League second leg against Ostersunds FK on Thursday first.