Step aside Mesut Ozil, tonight is the return of the Henrikh Mkhitaryan show…
Arsenal hosts Napoli tonight in the Europa League first leg. It was the hardest tie they could’ve landed, however, they have what it takes to overcome the Italian side. Unai Emery will have been harsh in training, drilling his players to ensure they are motivated for this match.
One of the main talking points heading into this match will, of course, be whether Emery opts for Mesut Ozil or Henrikh Mkhitaryan, or even both. Both are immense players in their own right, however, room is often made for goalscorers as opposed to creators. There only needs to be one.
More from Arsenal FC
- Gunners do just enough to claim victory in season opener
- Arsenal: We bottled it but I don’t care
- Arsenal complete record deal for Declan Rice
- Arsenal splurges on transfers as they aim to collect silverware
- Arsenal complete the signing of Kai Havertz
Ozil captained his side as they lost 1-0 to Everton at the weekend. The blame was, of course, pinpointed onto the German international. However, it was a collective effort and I could count the number of good Arsenal performances on one hand or finger. Cough, Bernd Leno, cough.
However, the result is bound to have an impact on Emery’s decision heading into the Napoli tie. With Ozil already treading on thin ice, he didn’t do anything extraordinary to benefit his case at the weekend.
Napoli deploys an impressive defensive block, indicative of the Italian way. They are hard to break down, which is why I think Henrikh Mkhitaryan will benefit the side more than Ozil will. Both are impressive creators, but Mkhitaryan is just that little bit faster in his decision making than Ozil.
Of course, this will all depend on how Emery wishes to set up. If he wants to play fluid, attacking football, then Ozil is his guy. However, I feel like being more direct and in the faces of the Napoli defenders will benefit the Gunners more.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is rumoured to start, according to BBC Sport. This will only play into Mkhitaryan’s hands more since the two of them have an unmatched connection, dating all the way back to their Borussia Dortmund days.
Do you think Arsenal will start Henrikh Mkhitaryan against Napoli?