Arsenal were made to work hard for it, but they ultimately got a stunning 3-2 victory at Ludogorets on Tuesday night thanks to Mesut Ozil’s late winner.
After falling 2-0 down in the opening 15 minutes, the Gunners were indebted to strikes from Granit Xhaka and Olivier Giroud to get them back into the game.
But it was Ozil who stole the show thanks to his coolly-taken goal just two minutes from time.
The German outpaced the Bulgarian defence, before his expert close control created an opening which he almost walked into the back of the hosts’ net.
Stage 1: Staying onside
It might not sound exciting, but everything that you’re about to see is made possible here.
Stage 2: Spotting the goalkeeper off his line
Now there are options here. Chip him? Go round him? Make a complete fool of him?
He’s Mesut Ozil, of course he’ll make a complete fool of him.
Stage 3: Making a complete fool of him
Told ya.
Stage 4: Not panicking
Now the keeper is out of the picture, but the ball is at a difficult height. Keeping your cool is vital here.
Luckily he’s done this before.
Stage 5: Waiting
What’s the rush?
The defenders are only sprinting back, trying everything to nick the ball off him. Why not just wait and let their momentum take them out?
Stage 6: Letting the two defenders dive in desperately
They go down, he stays up.
Stage 7: Taking one final touch just to make sure
Just… one… step… more.
Stage 8: Rolling the ball into an empty net
Waiting just long enough for the goalkeeper to think he’s got a chance to stop him, this is where the finish is delivered.
Stage 9: Leaving three crestfallen opposition players in your wake
You’ve been Oziled, lads.
Stage 10: Celebrating like a man who has just done something ridiculous
Hats off to you Mesut, that was a bit special!
Credit: Mirror.co.uk