Ludogorets 2 Arsenal 3: Mesut Ozil stunner sends Gunners into the last-16 with comeback win

MESUT OZIL’S brilliant run and finish sent Arsenal into the Champions League last-16 with two games to spare.

Jonathan Cafu put the hosts ahead before teeing-up Claudiu-Andrei Keseru’s second to stun the Gunners.

But Mesut Ozil picked out Granit Xhaka and Olivier Giroud headed in to leave the scores level at the break.

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Arsenal pushed for a winner but struggled to break down the stubborn hosts, with Ludogorets showing enough threat on the break to keep Arsene Wenger’s side honest.

But individual skill made the difference in the end as an untypical long ball found Ozil who produced a typically stylish run and finish.

FACTS, STATS, GOALS & LOLS

• Olivier Giroud made his first start of the season and produced a typical performance. The Frenchman struggled to match Alexis Sanchez’ harrying of the defence but proved he can stick the ball in le onion bag when required.
• Ludogorets started five Brazilians and it showed at times as they bombed forwards with purpose and trickery. Much like the Samba Stars, the hosts’ defending left a lot to be desired.
• Jonathan Cafu – one of the South American contingent – scored his seventh of the season to put Ludogorets ahead before bamboozling Kieran Gibbs to set up Claudiu-Andrei Keseru’s second.

• Gibbs is the archetypal modern full-back whose pace is expected to cover up defensive deficiencies and offer a threat up the field. Unfortunately the England international failed to produce when he found space on the flank.

• Arsenal were given two sections in the stands. One was reserved for the travelling supporters while the Bulgarian Gunners were given a separate area to highlight the Premier League’s popularity abroad.
• Arsene Wenger is known for his free-flowing style but Mesut Ozil’s winner was stright out of the Tony Pulis playbook. Mohamed Elneny launched the ball forward and the German, who still had plenty to do, skinned two defenders and the goalkeeper to slot home.

BIG PICTURE

SOCIAL SAYS

DREAM TEAM RATINGS

Arsenal: Ospina 6; Jenkinson 6, Mustafi 6, Koscielny 6, Gibbs 6; Coquelin 6, Xhaka 6; Ramsey 7, Ozil 7, Sanchez 7; Giroud 7, Subs: Elneny 6; Oxlade-Chamberlain 6, Iwobi 6.

WHAT THEY SAID

Aaron Ramsey: “It was difficult after 2-0 down but we showed great character to come back into the game. It was a tough game but enjoyable and I’m delighted to be back.”

Olivier Giroud: “I had a great deliver from Aaron. We expected a tough game,. I was watching from the stands at the Emirates and they moved through the lines well, they impressed me. We never game up and kept trusting in our game.”