Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger defends Mesut Ozil after Ian Wright and Gunners legends open fire on midfielder
Germany playmaker has become embroiled in a war of words with Wrighty after being criticised for Liverpool display
ARSENE WENGER has jumped to Mesut Ozil's defence after Gunners legends opened fire on the midfielder.
Ozil played 90 minutes in both the 4-0 horror show at Liverpool and the previous weekend's 1-0 loss at Stoke.
Thierry Henry, Emmanuel Petit and Martin Keown are among the Arsenal greats to question his performances this season.
Contract rebel Ozil, whose deal expires next summer, told the club icons to shut up and "start supporting" in a 700-word Instagram rant.
SunSport columnist Ian Wright laughed off the German's rant and demanded he: "Stop hiding behind Alexis Sanchez and sign a new deal."
Wenger, speaking ahead of Saturday's Bournemouth clash, said: "All the legends also had their weak games, nobody was perfect. We have to make a distance with that and not get caught in animosity.
"We are grateful for what they have done but we must concentrate on the players on the pitch who can defend the club’s honour now."
French media reported Wenger as saying Arsenal are in "crisis".
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The Emirates boss explained: "I never could understand what is a crisis. Is it to lose a game? Every defeat is a crisis, yes."
Arsenal are looking to bounce back against Bournemouth and add to the opening day win against Leicester.
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He added: "Bournemouth are a team who can give problems to everybody so we have to focus and see how strong we are at home."
Meanwhile, Wenger insists Santi Cazorla could make his Arsenal comeback after Christmas.
The Spain midfielder has been out with an Achilles injury since October.
But Wenger said: "He’s having his first run today so that’s positive.
“The flexibility of his ankle is good, his mobility is good, he is getting back to full fitness without many set-backs but overall it’s difficult to set a time.
“Not before Christmas – that’s why I didn’t involve him in the Europa League – but I hope after Christmas he will be available.”
And Jack Wilshere - who spent last season on loan at Bournemouth - is also in contention to play against the Cherries.
Wenger added: "Wilshere is getting stronger every day.
"I haven't decided whether to include him in the squad. We still need some fitness work but he's in a positive trend."
