Glen Hoddle orders Mesut Ozil to ‘stop moaning’ as Arsenal problems mount (Image: Getty)
Glenn Hoddle has ordered Mesut Ozil to “stop moaning” and drag Arsenal out of the ditch into which they have fallen. Arsenal are without a win in nine games in all competitions and Ozil was seen remonstrating with Alexandre Lacazette at the end of Thursday’s 2-1 loss at home to Brighton.
Ozil has made his way back into the side in recent weeks after Unai Emery gave up on his mission to exile the German playmaker.
The Arsenal No 10 has failed to inspire any good fortune, however, with just one assist coming in his last five Premier League appearances.
Former roaming midfielder Hoddle watched Ozil play in midweek but was unimpressed by his efforts against Graham Potter’s bold Brighton side.
When shown footage from after the final whistle when Ozil angrily confronts the substituted Alexandre Lacazette, Hoddle said on BT Sport’s Early Kick-Off: “There’s Ozil having a go.
Arsenal: Ljungberg reacts to 'disappointing' Brighton loss
“Well, stop moaning and get on the ball and do the business on the pitch.
“He went missing. Most of the time I watched the game I couldn’t see him. The only time I saw him was taking corners and set-plays.
“I’m thinking: ‘Get on the ball, you’re the No 10, you’re the one who can open teams up.’ It looks to me as if he’s lost his ambition.”
Ozil became a maligned member of the squad under Emery, with whom he did not share the same football principles.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Five months before Arsene Wenger’s departure, Ozil was handed a new three-and-a-half year contract worth £350,000 a week.
His standing as the club’s highest-paid player in history made it difficult for Emery to completely shun the player but the former Real Madrid creator now seemingly has a renewed chance starting with caretaker boss Freddie Ljungberg.
There are wider issues for Arsenal, though, according to Hoddle who also said: “Nothing’s changed at all from last season.
“[Arsenal] were poor defensively and they had to change to the back four. For me, they got worse in actual fact.
Mesut Ozil was despondent after Arsenal lost to Brighton on Thursday night (Image: Getty)