Mesut Ozil: How did the Arsenal playmaker perform in the 3-0 win over Hull?

The Germany international returned to the fray for the first time since early March

Mesut Ozil returned from a five-week absence as Arsenal travelled to Hull looking to boost their hopes of Champions League qualification.

The Germany playmaker has been missing with a hamstring injury since the Gunners' Champions League exit at Bayern Munich on March 11.

Ozil's return will no doubt aid Arsenal's hopes of a top-four finished and we assess how he fared in the 3-0 win at the KC Stadium.

FITNESS

The 25-year-old showed no signs of rust on his return the Gunners line-up, where he slotted in behind frontman Olivier Giroud. Ozil looked sharp from the outset, chasing down loose balls and aiding team-mates. He tired slightly in the second half but his 61st-minute withdrawal was as much for protection as anything else given Arsenal were already 3-0 up.

INFLUENCE

While Ozil's debut season in English football has not quite gone to plan, his link-up play has been sorely missed in recent weeks. His nifty feet also have the ability to wreak havoc, which was highlighted after just 10 minutes when Ahmed Elmohamady clipped him in the box. Referee Jon Moss waved away the penalty appeals but it did not take long for Arsenal to open the scoring, with Ozil's fine ball to Santi Cazorla turned through for Aaron Ramsey to fire home.

OVERALL

On this performance, Ozil's enforced break may actually have been a blessing in disguise for Arsenal. The Germany international's freshness coupled with his creativity could have a big say on whether they qualify for the Champions League.