Mesut Ozil enjoyed a successful return to action at the end of a tumultuous week as the German midfielder scored the opening goal for Arsenal in a 5-1 victory over a makeshift Paris St Germain side in a pre-season friendly in Singapore on Saturday.
Ozil sensationally quit the national side on Sunday citing “racism and disrespect” for his Turkish roots as he bore the brunt of criticism following Germany’s disastrous World Cup , but he looked relaxed and focused against the French champions.
Arsenal fielded a strong team with Ozil installed as captain and the Premier League side soon took control against weakened opposition, given the time and space they will not be afforded when the domestic campaign kicks off in August.
The German did not need long to stamp his authority on the contest, side-footing past a stranded Gianluigi Buffon in the 13th minute after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had raced clear down the right and sent a pinpoint low cross into Ozil’s path.
The Gunners were utterly dominant and should have added to their tally, but Buffon showed the brilliance that earned him 176 caps for Italy, saving well to deny Alex Iwobi, Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan when they were all clean through on goal.

Ozil shines on return as Arsenal crush PSG in Singapore
Mesut Ozil in action with Paris Saint-Germain’s Azzeddine Toufiqui at the Singapore National Stadium, Singapore, on July 28, 2018 (Reuters)
Reuters, Singapore
Saturday 28 July 2018
Last Update: Wednesday, 20 May 2020 KSA 09:57 - GMT 06:57
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