Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil is used to fielding his fair share of criticism, but never before at the hands of members of the British constabulary. The German proved largely ineffectual as Arsenal lost 1-0 to Stoke City on Saturday evening. As is often the case when Arsenal lose, the former Real Madrid midfielder became the scapegoat for the defeat – where Arsene Wenger’s side failed to break down Stoke, despite 79% possession in the match. When an Arsenal fan tweeted the police account to ‘report a robbery’ at the bet365 stadium, the official Staffordshire police account replied with some ‘banter’ of its own. Read it below
Ozil’s performance was also heavily criticised by BT Sport pundit and former Liverpoolmidfielder, Steven Gerrard.
“He’s left me frustrated. We’ve seen him on his day when he fancies doing both sides of the game he is a world-class talent,” said Gerrard.
“I just worry about his reaction and body language. When the ball is turned over he offers his team-mates zero. Away from home he’s a liability and he just doesn’t do enough.
“It’s clear to see that out of possession he doesn’t want to know. He only wants to be on the ball, trying to create and making things happen.
“But world class players do both. When they lose possession they put a shift in for their team-mates and it was clear that didn’t happen.”
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger defended his player when Gerrard’s criticism was put to him in his post-match press conference.
“I think he did fight. It is difficult to single anybody out. I believe we had many, many chances and personally I don’t think he deserves [criticism].”
Arsenal’s next game in the Premier League is away at Anfield against Liverpool.
Credit: Yahoo Sports