Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil has had his fair share of criticism this season, but it certainly went into overdrive after the north London derby defeat to Tottenham.
There’s no doubt that the 28-year-old is a class act when he’s in form, but if he’s not influencing a game with his attacking skills and technical quality, he can be a real liability.
With an unwanted reputation of going missing in the big games, which is continuing to get stronger, it was the same old story against Spurs on Sunday as Arsenal fell to a 2-0 defeat to their bitter rivals.
Ozil’s inability to get involved and have a real impact on the game didn’t go unnoticed, as countless Arsenal fans, rival supporters and neutrals noted that he simply hadn’t turned up.
With his contract set to expire in just over 12 months, games like this surely ask the question as to whether Arsenal fans really think he’s worth the fuss and a new lucrative deal.
With 11 goals and 11 assists in 38 games this season, it hasn’t been a complete disaster. However, given he’s a player that Arsenal rely on heavily to make them tick and find ways through in the final third with his quality on the ball, it’s nowhere near good enough. And people are certainly noticing…
BREAKING NEWS!
Mesut Ozil still missing, was last seen in 2015.
Met Police say "we have been very busy searching everyone's pockets"#AFC— Darren Nichols (@DarrenNichols89) April 30, 2017
Organising a search party for Ozil, maybe we can find our tactics whilst we're looking.
— John Welsh (@jwelsh84) April 30, 2017
Invisible Man, starring Mesut Ozil, the magician from Germany famous for his high pressure disappearing acts. #TOTARS pic.twitter.com/4LcUVE2yx5
— ?hargav (@ThatIndianGuy) April 30, 2017
Ozil showing us a fantastic impression of the invisible man ?
— simon mcmahon (@simac64) April 30, 2017
Missing Person – have you seen this man? Answers to the name Mesut Ozil – due to play today at White Hart Lane but never showed up….Again! pic.twitter.com/pBJPECk1pZ
— Mark Blake (@StamfordCowboy) April 30, 2017
I know he plays for our rivals but I do hope Mesut Ozil is found alive and well after going missing yesterday afternoon #AFC #StaySafe
— Daniel James (@danieljames83) May 1, 2017
Where's Ozil?
Arsenal search party has been deployed to hunt for the German midfielder.
He was last seen in an Arsenal shirt in Nth London pic.twitter.com/Gs9UsZSFm9— Chris Lewis (@mrchairmanbufc) April 30, 2017
Mesut Ozil in big games… pic.twitter.com/DAaumSMIdu
— BigSport (@BigSportGB) April 30, 2017
I think Arsenal may have had a chance today if they had played Ozil
— Richard Cracknell (@MrCracknell) April 30, 2017
Really surprised Arsene Wenger hasn't played Mesut Ozil today
— Deluded Brendan (@DeludedBrendan) April 30, 2017