Wenger agrees with Ozil over ‘scapegoat’ claim

Matt Stead

Arsene Wenger agrees that Mesut Ozil has become something of a ‘scapegoat’ for Arsenal’s recent troubles.

The Gunners are in imminent danger of failing to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since the 1997/98 season, with the gap to fourth-placed Liverpool standing at six points.

Ozil has been heavily criticised for his performances in particular, with the German’s perceived lack of effort highlighted in numerous matches.

The 28-year-old has started just one of the club’s last five matches since the 5-1 defeat to Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League last-16.

He told Sport Bild earlier this week that “somebody needs to be singled out” in periods of difficult form, and that “sadly, most of the time it’s me”.

Speaking on Thursday, Wenger sympathised with Ozil.

“It’s a price to pay when you’re a big player,” he said.

“When you’re a big player you are sometimes unfairly treated.

“It works both ways. When things go well sometimes you get more praise. When it doesn’t you get more stick than you deserve.”