Arsene Wenger sticks up for Mesut Ozil after Arsenal beat Fulham

Arsene Wenger has defended Mesut Ozil after the Arsenal playmaker came in for criticism following Saturday’s win over Fulham.

The 25-year-old was substituted in the second half of the 2-0 victory over the Cottagers after a quiet display at Emirates Stadium.

He’s 25 years old, he can only get better. The best years are coming for him now

Arsene Wenger

However, Wenger insists that Ozil’s adaptation to the Premier League is going well and urged fans to keep their expectations of the Germany international realistic.

“Sometimes people expect him to make the difference alone,” said Wenger.

“Sometimes when he doesn’t work, you expect him to take the ball and put it in the net.

“But he’s more of a passer than a finisher. I think the consistency and quality of his passing slowly drains the opponent.

“He always passes where they don’t want him to do it. That slowly helps us to take over.

“But he’s 25 years old, he can only get better. The best years are coming for him now.

“His finishing is one of the things he can add to his game. But he doesn’t need to be criticised, he just needs to be encouraged.”