Mesut Ozil’s Arsenal stats are low because of luck, not performances, says Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta claims Mesut Ozil has been “unlucky” with his lack of end product this season but warned the demands on the playmaker are “to make the difference in every single game” for Arsenal.
The 31-year-old has been championed as the ‘assist king’ throughout his career for a fine record of assists yet has just one to his name from 13 Premier League appearances this season and has not scored a goal in any competition since last April.
Ozil endured a difficult relationship with ex-Gunners boss Unai Emery but has started every game since Arteta was appointed and is set to feature against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.
When asked about Ozil’s recent underwhelming numbers, Arteta said: “The demands that we have to put on him are to make the difference every single game. To do that he needs the right structure and players around him to help him to do that.
“I think he could have had more assists and probably more goals in the games he has played under me which has been a little bit unlucky but overall I think that his performance has improved a lot.”
Ozil is likely to be joined in Arsenal’s attacking positions by Gabriel Martinelli as Arteta seeks to fill the void left by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s suspension.
Martinelli has scored nine goals in 20 appearances since arriving for £7million from Ituano in July despite turning 18 years old just a month earlier.
The striker, who will not represent Brazil U23s at this month’s Olympic qualifiers despite an initial call-up, is believed to be considering switching allegiances to Italy.
“That would be ideal,” said Arteta. “It is up to him. He has his feelings and he needs to make his decision of what he wants. It is up to entirely him. But if he can play around the corner it would be even better!
“His mentality makes a big difference. I don’t know how the process when he joined and what he did to settle so quickly. But I can imagine he has the right people around him for sure, his family and entourage, and I think as well they really look after him and I think the club were very on top of him and positive about everything about him and his teammates were a big help.”
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