Steven Gerrard labelled Mesut Ozil a 'liabilty' and pundits accuse him of going missing in big games... but is their criticism fair and will he turn up for their trip to Chelsea?

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Plenty of pundits have said the same about Mesut Ozil and Steven Gerrard simply joined the party.

The Liverpool legend labelled Ozil a liability away from home, criticised him for doing no dirty work, said he is useless out of possession and does not know how to put in a shift.

Arsenal are set for their third Premier League away game this season on Sunday, having already lost 1-0 to Stoke City then 4-0 to Liverpool. Avoiding a third defeat at Chelsea could depend on which Ozil turns up.

Arsenal forward Mesut Ozil was labelled a 'liability' by ex-Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard

The Germany international has covered 21.6km at home and 21.6km away already this season

The German’s record against the Premier League’s top five isn’t the greatest. In 31 games, he has scored five times and assisted eight goals, with a win ratio of only 19 per cent.

Ozil and his team-mates didn’t turn up at Anfield but it was their beating at the bet365 Stadium that prompted Gerrard to have his say about the 28-year-old.

‘He just doesn't do enough,’ he said. 'It's clear to see that, out of possession, he doesn't want to know. He only wants to be on the ball, trying to create, but world class players do both.’

No-one in the Premier League has created more chances than Ozil this season (15) but laziness is a criticism often levelled his way. In Gerrard’s case, he was taking about away from home.

So does Ozil really run less when on the road?

This season so far, he has covered 43.2km – 21.6km at home and 21.6km away. In fact, he has managed more touches and executed more passes when not at the Emirates Stadium.

Gerrard (right) accused Ozil of not doing enough: 'Out of possession, he doesn't want to know'

The German No 10 has scored five goals in 31 matches against the Premier League's top five 

He has been clocked at 20.7mph – the fifth fastest for Arsenal – having also covered 329.3km for them last season, second only to Nacho Monreal.

Ozil, then, is hardly a slouch. At Madrid, he was well known for his counter-attacking ability, with devastating through-balls.

He could do more defensively, though that also depends on what Arsene Wenger asks of him.

Out of contract next summer, his future is uncertain, and Wenger has said discussions had ‘slowed down’ over a new deal.

Now, there has been talk of one of Manchester United being interested in him.

That is despite Ozil having revealed his dressing room row with Jose Mourinho back in their Real Madrid days in his autobiography this year.

‘Are you giving up now?’ said Mourinho, according to Ozil. ‘You’re such a coward. What do you want? To creep under the beautiful, warm shower? Shampoo your hair? To be alone?

Ozil and his team-mates didn't turn up at Anfield, where they were beaten 4-0 by Liverpool

‘Or do you want to prove to your fellow players, the fans out there, and me, what you can do?’

Mourinho is now being linked with a move for the No 10, though there would be an abundance of naysayers out there.

Gerrard, after all, was not alone in having a go at the 2014 World Cup winner.

Wenger last week was forced to defend Ozil, who had also been criticised by the likes of Ian Wright and Lee Dixon over the international break.

‘I always have problems understanding what a legend is and what a legend isn’t,’ said Wenger. ‘They all had their weaknesses. They had their weak games and their weak behaviours as well. Nobody was perfect.’

Ozil himself responded on social media by saying former players should support the club rather than criticise.

It is fair to say that the forward is football’s Marmite character – some love him, some loathe him.

His record in big games is nothing to write home about, hence why so many say he goes missing. If he is to make that a myth, he best begin against Chelsea on Sunday.