Paul Merson explains why Mesut Ozil shouldn’t start for Arsenal at Watford
The Arsenal legend doesn't believe Mesut Ozil merits a place in the Gunners team for Saturday's trip to Watford
Paul Merson has told Arsene Wenger to resist the urge to reinstate Mesut Ozil into his Arsenal team for Saturday’s trip to Watford.
The Germany international has been sidelined over the past few weeks with a knee problem following a disappointing start to the season for the 28-year-old.
Ozil was heavily criticised for his poor display in a 4-0 loss to Liverpool at Anifield before he made his final Premier League start in a 3-0 win against Bournemouth at The Emirates.
The World Cup winner missed the north London side’s goalless draw with defending Premier League champions Chelsea.
Ozil made a substitute appearance in a 2-0 win against West Brom but was overlooked for Arsenal’s victories over BATE Borisov and Brighton in their last two games.
The former Real Madrid midfielder has failed to agree a new deal with Arsenal with 12 months remaining on his current contract with the north London club.
Ex Arsenal midfielder Merson doesn’t want to see Wenger restore the German playmaker to his line-up for the clash at Watford on Saturday evening.
“I wouldn’t put Mesut Ozil back into the side,” Merson told Sky Sports.
“He doesn’t work hard enough for the team. He is a top player but the least you can do is work hard. If you have got talent you have had a result – and he has talent – but I have seen players with much less talent than him have a bigger impact on games, which can’t be right.”
The Gunners signed Alexandre Lacazette in a £52m deal from Ligue 1 side Lyon in the summer transfer window.
Arsenal signed Sead Kolasinac in a free transfer from Bundesliga outfit Schalke 04.
