Martin Keown has backtracked after recent criticism of Mesut Ozil to praise the Arsenal star following his outstanding performance against Everton.

The Germany international scored and provided an assist for Alexandre Lacazette to heap more misery on Ronald Koeman.

And after previous criticism of Ozil for perceived disappearing acts in big games, Keown has acknowledged his quality on Sunday.

"I've been very critical, we're nine games in and suddenly he's turned up," Keown admitted on Match of the Day 2. "He knitted everything together.

"He's not been closing down. But he has a vision very few players have.

"It was a different head that he played with today. That was a goal with great quality and conviction, he headed it with conviction and I've questioned that."

Ozil heads home the crucial go-ahead goal (
Image:
PA)
Ozil celebrates finding the net (
Image:
Action Images via Reuters)

Ian Wright was equally impressed by the former Real Madrid star and made a plea for him to remain at the club as his contract winds down.

"It's fantastic statistics, as long as he doesn't do it in the games that people want to do it," Wright said.

"People will point it at the fact that he doesn't do it in those games. I'm desperate for him to stay at the club."

Ozil was at the centre of everything that was good about Arsenal's display (
Image:
REUTERS)
Wenger was delighted with his side's display (
Image:
2017 Getty Images)

But Wenger has maintained that provided Ozil remains committed he will continue to be picked, and was delighted to see him at something like his best on Merseyside.

"He was superb. Agile, quick, intelligent - always at the service of the team with the quality of his passing,” declared Wenger post-game.

"When he is at that level he is an exceptional football player.”

Sanchez was excellent throughout (
Image:
Getty Images Europe)
Ozil created a plethora of chances for Lacazette (
Image:
Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

The Arsenal boss had earlier revealed to Sky Sports that Ozil has been working hard to get back to full fitness after his recent knee injury.

"I told him after the game that a fit Ozil is completely different," said Wenger.

"If you’re not 100 percent at your best, no matter how good you are, you are at a handicap.

"The difference is that he has worked extremely hard physically.

"When he’s in that shape physically, nobody can question his class or the quality of his game.”

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