Ozil’s importance to Arsenal headlines our weekend Prem recap

Saturday’s Premier League action was all about the individuals.

Sergio Aguero bagged a hat-trick for Manchester City, Mesut Ozil showed his class for Arsenal and Marco Silva took his seat in the dugout for the last time as Watford manager.

We’ve taken a look at the significance of all three in Monday’s talking points…

The importance of keeping Ozil

Arsenal need to do everything in their power to keep hold of Mesut Ozil.

In the absence of Alexis Sanchez, the Germany international is the star attraction at the Emirates.

And we think that could benefit the irresistible playmaker.

Unlike the Chilean, Ozil is more of a team player.

There’s no cult of the individual around the midfielder, who has bagged six assists so far this season.

Without needing to accommodate Sanchez, Arsene Wenger can give Ozil more of a free role in the team, which should be to his benefit.

That will allow Arsenal’s play to flow better and aid their fast-paced attacking style.

If the North Londoners are to challenge for the Champions League, Wenger needs to offer Ozil a new contract and build his team around one of the Premier League’s best players.

City’s hat-trick hero

Aguero was back to his devastating best on Saturday.

The Argentina international hit his second hat-trick of the season as Manchester City overcame Newcastle United 3-1.

That trio of goals puts him on 16 for the season – five behind Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane.

With Aguero back in form, Kane is suddenly looking over his shoulder in the race for the Golden Boot.

The Spurs ace is still the odds-on favourite at 4/11.

But his City compatriot can now be backed at 4/1, in from 7/1 last week.

Silva out, Gracia in

Two months ago, Marco Silva was one of the most coveted managers in the Premier League.

Such was his stock, Watford were forced to rebuff a £8.5m offer from Everton for his services.

Fast forward less than 60 days and following the Hornets’ defeat to Leicester City, the Portuguese finds himself on the managerial scrapheap.

For a club not averse to changing managers, it could prove to be a shrewd move.

The Hertfordshire side have won just twice since late-November and now find themselves four points above the drop zone.

Former Malaga and Rubin Kazan chief Javier Gracia is the man tasked with turning the club around.

His task starts with an FA Cup tie against Southampton next weekend.

All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication