UCL: Ozil Strikes Hat-trick As Arsenal Demolish Ludogorets

By Andah John

Arsenal were at their devastating best last night, with Alexis Sanchez, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all scoring, and Mesut Ozil netting his first hat-trick as they trounced Ludogorets  6-0 in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.

Arsene Wenger’s side, who are level on seven points with PSG, could secure a place in the knock-out phase with a win against the Bulgarian side in the reverse fixture.

The Gunners settled quickly into the game as it took just 11 minutes to open scoring when Sanchez broke the offside trap, beat a defender, and lobbed over the goalkeeper.

But the Romanian side didn’t sit and do nothing; they did have a go at the Gunners.

Arsenal on the back foot

Ospina was called into action when Marcelinho sent a shot wide from outside the box. And later the midfielder linked up Wanderson for an opportunity which was dealt with by the goalkeeper.

It did not end there. Ospina had to come to the rescue again close to the half-hour mark, as the Arsenal defence struggled to keep Cafu in check.

Later, Wanderson attempted another strike which went just wide. That was after Walcott had come within inches of doubling the lead for the London club, as he slightly missed Oxlade-Chamberlain’s pass across the face of goal.

The Gunners asking some questions

Walcott’s effort from inside the area was saved, as the Gunners looked dangerous on the offensive, even though they were not still convincing at the back.

But the vital second goal finally counted when Walcott curled the ball round Stoyanov with a long-range finish five minutes before half time.

Explosive start to the second half

As soon as the second period commenced, it was all Arsenal. Oxlade-Chamberlain slotted home from about 12 yards out to make it 3-0.

Ozil scores a hat-trick

Then came Ozil, who calmly found the net having beautifully connected with Cazorla’s long ball.

And when Lucas Perez came on, he linked up well with Ozil, setting the German up for his second and third goals on the night.