Mesut Ozil Assists Record As Arsenal Beat Manchester City 2-1, Premier League Record Near

Mesut Ozil might be in the form of his life. On Monday, the Arsenal midfielder added two more assists in The Gunners 2-1 victory over Manchester City. Ozil now has 15 assists on the year--8 more than any other player in the league--and Arsenal sit just two points back of league leaders, Leicester City.

This is what Arsenal fans have been waiting for, this version of the German playmaker. Ozil came to Arsenal from Real Madrid--perhaps the most recognizable club on the planet, and a place where he greatly excelled--in a big money move some two seasons ago. However, upon first taking his talents to the English game, Ozil often underwhelmed, leaving fans and pundits alike to criticize his performances as if he just stole someone's dog. It was brutal, people were harsh. But it was perhaps a testament to just how highly regarded he was as a player. His talent is universally regarded as world class, so when walked off the field at the end of games and fans had to ask 'Oh, Mesut started today?' it tickled some people the wrong way.

But all that seems to be a lifetime ago now. Ozil is playing some of the best football of his life. He's ruthlessly efficient, and has more assists than Chris Paul's other self, StateFarm agent Cliff Paul. In fact, at this point in the season, Ozil looks to be a safe bet to break the Premier League assist record--a historic mark held by one Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry. According to Premier League.com, he's just 5 assists back of Henry's record of 20 assists during the 2002/03 campaign, but well ahead of the pace set by the legendary striker.

Ozil has been perhaps the biggest catalist to Arsenal's success this year. The Gunners are now in sole position of second place in the league, and many see them as the frontrunners to take the top spot come the end of the season. If Ozil keeps playing the way he is, not only will the assist record be his, but the Premier League title could be too.