Former Liverpool star defends Arsenal’s ‘quality’ Mesut Ozil

Jamie Redknapp believes there has been an overreaction with regards to Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil’s poor form in recent weeks.

The German was unable to inspire the north London side to victory over Manchester United on Wednesday night as the two Premier League rivals played out a goalless stalemate at The Emirates.

He has taken the brunt of the criticism but there is no doubt that he will be one of Arsenal’s key players for the rest of the season

Jamie Redknapp

Ozil, who joined Arsenal in a club-record £42.5m move from Real Madrid last summer, hasn’t found the back of the net since a 1-1 draw with Everton in early December.

Former Liverpool midfielder Redknapp reckons Ozil is feeling the lack of a winter break in the Premier League, but is backing the 25-year-old to play a key role in the title run-in.

“I think there has been an overreaction with some of the criticism Mesut Ozil has received this week,” Redknapp told the Daily Mail.

“Yes he’s on a bad run of form, and he had another quiet game last night, but I don’t remember many pundits rushing to criticise him at the start of the season.

“When he arrived he galvanised Arsenal and was a huge part of their early success. He has been the difference in so many games for Arsenal this season and his qualities are obvious.

“He has not had a winter break, so he looks tired, but people have off days.

“He has taken the brunt of the criticism but there is no doubt that he will be one of Arsenal’s key players for the rest of the season.”