Mesut Ozil explains his recent dip in form for Arsenal

Mesut Ozil insists that he always expected to go through a difficult spell at Arsenal and take time to settle in the Premier League.

The 25-year-old playmaker came in for criticism for a string of below-par displays in recent weeks, including during the Gunners’ 2-0 loss to Bayern Munich in which he missed a penalty.

It was clear that I would endure a difficult spell because I missed all of Arsenal’s pre-season

Mesut Ozil

However, the Germany international – who moved to The Emirates from Real Madrid in a £42.5m deal last summer – has not been fazed by his dip in form.

And the forward feels that his tough spell is partly down to having missed Arsenal’s pre-season preparations.

“Nearly every player who is new to Premier League needs time to settle in,” Ozil told Sport Bild.

“Here, you meet other challenges. It was clear that I would endure a difficult spell because I missed all of Arsenal’s pre-season preparation.

“There was a time when I was not satisfied with my performances either, but I have come through this phase. I don’t concern myself too much with [the criticism].

“Three weeks ago they wrote totally different stories and, in three weeks’ time, they’ll write different stories once again. That’s part of the business in England.”