Ozil's assist record already under threat

Mesut Ozil played himself into the Premier League record books when he set up Arsenal’s opening goal in Sunday’s 3-0 victory over Watford. But the German may not hold the record for long.

The 29-year-old had gone four matches without an assist but claimed his 50th in 141 PL matches as his eighth-minute free-kick was headed in by Shkodran Mustafi.

In doing so, Ozil became the fastest player to reach the half-century, narrowly beating Eric Cantona, who reached that mark in two matches more.

The Manchester United legend held the record for more than 21 years, having reached his 50 against Coventry City in January 1997.

Fastest players to 50 PL assists

However, Ozil may not be in pole position for long.

Kevin De Bruyne is only eight behind Ozil’s total, having taken just 93 PL matches to reach 42 assists.

The Manchester City midfielder is this season’s leading assist provider, with 14.

If he maintains his present rate, De Bruyne is on course to reach his 50 in another 17 matches, before the end of 2018.

If so, he would break Ozil's record for reaching the half-century in about 30 fewer matches.

For now, though, the German leads the way, and appears to be happy to assist the club off the pitch too, as a light-hearted Arsenal video shows.