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Mesut Ozil assists: Arsenal playmaker on course to break Thierry Henry's Premier League record

The £42.5m German is now just four assists away from equalling the record set in 2003

Tuesday 29 December 2015 09:36 GMT

Mesut Ozil celebrates his goal against Bournemouth (Getty Images)

Mesut Ozil has been in inspirational form for Arsenal this season.

In addition to scoring in the Gunners' 2-0 win over Bournemouth yesterday, he also registered his 16th Premier League assist of the campaign, meaning he is now just four assists away from equalling the Premier League record of 20, set by Thierry Henry, also at Arsenal, in 2002/03.

After the victory at the Emirates Stadium, which put the Gunners back to the top of the league, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was quick to compare Ozil with fellow Gunners' legend Dennis Bergkamp.

"Look at the numbers on the assists and they speak for him," Wenger said.

"Yes he reminds me of Bergkamp. Bergkamp was more of a goalscorer than him and Ozil is more about assists, but now Ozil is becoming more of a goalscorer, so they are really comparable.

"I have seen a few good games from Ozil. What's important is that he's convincing everyone that he's not just a very talented player, but someone who is ready to work very hard for the team.

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

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1/11Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Petr Cech: 6 out of 10

Rarely tested on his way to his Premier League record-breaking clean sheet, overtaking David James in the process. As ever he exuded authority and never looked like he would be concerned.

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Bellerin: 7 out of 10

As full of attacking endeavour as ever, he and Oxlade-Chamberlain often exchanged nice passes to release the Spaniard down the right. With Bournemouth tiring he excelled in the space they offered him, providing plenty of tempting crosses.

2015 Getty Images

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Mertesacker: 6 out of 10

It was no surprise that he struggled with the pacey running of Josh King in behind the Arsenal line. However when the ball was sent into the area Mertesacker was never found wanting, calmly repelling Bournemouth’s attacks.

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Gabriel: 8 out of 10

A powerful header in the first half, his first goal in an Arsenal shirt, was no less than the Brazilian deserved. Equally impressive were two sliding tackles early in the second half as King bore down on goal as he provided excellent covering for Mertesacker.

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Gibbs: 6 out of 10

Looked a more than adequate alternative to Nacho Monreal in a rare start, though the Spaniard would not expect to lose his place after a good, but not great, display by Gibbs.

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Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Chambers: 5 out of 10

A tough experience of the challenges of playing in midfield in his first start in the position for nearly a year. The opening exchanges saw Bournemouth swarm the youngster, who seemed hesitant when he gifted possession to Arter. That was the story of the match for Chambers, who all too often could not be relied on with the ball at his feet. It may be too early to write the 20-year-old off as an anchorman but this was not an ideal start.

2015 Getty Images

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Ramsey: 6 out of 10

After offering solid protection from Manchester City’s attackers it was more of the same from Ramsey at the Emirates, making two excellent tackles to slow Bournemouth’s advance. That he combined this with sallies into the area was another encouraging sign for Wenger.

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Oxlade-Chamberlain: 6 out of 10

A worrying display from Oxlade-Chamberlain, who did little to supplant Joel Campbell in Wenger’s affections with what was a display typical of his season. He was full of running, but all too often it was running down a blind alley. When he combined with Bellerin he seemed far more effective but at his worst he seemed too eager to be the star.

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Mesut Ozil: 8 out of 10

With Arsenal seemingly stunned by Bournemouth’s bright start Ozil took hold of the contest and bent it to his will. Indeed questions must soon be asked over whether this team is too reliant on their star man. No other player looked like crafting a chance for much of the match, with Arsenal’s tactics seemingly just 'give it to the No.11’. It paid off in style, but is it sustainable?

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Walcott: 7 out of 10

Another convincing imitation of Alexis Sanchez from the striker, whose understanding with Ozil saw him make several enticing runs. On another day he may have scored but he was full of willingness to get into position to influence the game.

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Giroud: 6 out of 10

A quiet display from Giroud, who seemed more than any other to be showing signs of fatigue from Arsenal’s gruelling recent schedule. However the forward was able to make one critical touch, laying in Ozil for Arsenal’s crucial second.

2015 Getty Images

"Overall he is the complete player. I've not seen many players of his quality. He's an exceptional player and you have to give me credit - I always defended that point of view even when people were sceptical.

Thierry Henry in action for Arsenal during the 2002/03 season

"What's important is that he becomes as good as he can be, and he is on the way to doing that. At the moment he's absolutely fantastic.

"Mesut was the focal point of our team against Bournemouth because we had a new midfield again. He was the guy who gave reassurance with his technical security and fluidity. He gives the team confidence."

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