Arsenal 1 Everton 1: Arsene Wenger hails ‘outstanding’ Mesut Ozil

Arsene Wenger singled out Mesut Ozil for special praise after his Arsenal side were held to a draw by Everton at Emirates Stadium.

The Germany international steered the Gunners into the lead when he tapped home from close range in the 80th minute in north London.

But their advantage lasted just four minutes as substitute Gerard Deulofeu’s dipping strike caught out Wojciech Szczesny and earned the visitors a point.

It will be a tough Premier League and the consistency in the end will be rewarded

Arsene Wenger

And Wenger said: “I personally would just congratulate Ozil. For me he had an outstanding game.”

The draw leaves Arsenal five points clear at the top of the Premier League table heading into Saturday’s clash at Manchester City.

And Wenger has called on his side to maintain their cushion at the top of the table over the crucial festive period.

“As long as we are five points ahead you cannot rule ourselves out [of the title race] even with the best desire. So let’s keep that cushion,” said the Frenchman.

“It shows you that it will be a tough Premier League and the consistency in the end will be rewarded. It is down to us to keep this attitude until the end of the season.

“Consistency in the results strengthen your belief. You could see with Everton today, had they lost 5-0 at Old Trafford they would not have played like that.

“They just won 1-0 at Old Trafford and they came here with nothing to lose, they are a good team and you could see that kind of influence the confidence has.”