Arsenal face Rennes in the last-16 of the Europa League this evening.
The Gunners are targeting European glory this term in Unai Emery’s first season in charge.
The first leg of this clash kicks off at 17:55 and sees Arsenal come up against a French side in Rennes who have impressed in Europe this season.
Mesut Ozil is expected to start for the Gunners in France.
And this may be another chance for Arsenal fans to witness his increasingly-notable ‘chop’ shot.
But what is the Ozil Chop? Here, Express Sport explains what it’s all about…
What is the Ozil Chop?
Mesut Ozil is one of Arsenal’s most talented players and over the past few months fans have noticed he has a particular way of striking the ball.
When Mesut Ozil runs through one-on-one with the goalkeeper, he is open to dinking the ball over the on-rushing keeper and into the net.
It appears on first glance as though he chips the goalkeeper.
Yet Ozil actually hits the ball into the turf, making it bounce up and above the rushing keeper, into the net.
It has been noted he has done this against Burnley, Bournemouth and Liverpool.
Why does he do it?
The intention, it seems, is to catch the goalkeeper unawares.
A keeper will usually go to ground when rushing out to stop an on-coming player.
And so lifting the ball over the keeper is a good way to avoid a shot being saved.
Will Ozil play tonight?
Most likely yes. He has only started three of Arsenal’s last 14 games – but one of those was in the Europa League home win over BATE Borisov last month.
Ozil is expected to start as the Europa League enters its business end.
Arsenal could well win this competition and use that triumph to secure a Champions League place next season.
They are currently fifth in the Premier League, a point behind Manchester United who sit in the final Champions League qualification spot.
