Europa League: Wenger responds to Keown’s criticism on Ozil’s performance

Arsenal coach, Arsene Wenger, has defended playmaker, Mesut Ozil after Gunners legend, Martin Keown launched an incredible attack on the 29-year-old following the Europa League second leg semi-final defeat to Atletico Madrid on Thursday night.

Wenger’s men had drew 1-1 in the first leg of last week in England and were not the favourites going into the leg at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Diego Costa’s 53rd minute strike where he held off the challenge of Hector Bellerin to coolly slot past goalkeeper David Ospina was the only goal of the night in the Spanish capital as Diego Simeone’s men qualified for the final with a 2-1 aggregates.

Daily Post reports that Keown slammed Ozil’s performance for the North London club defeat to Atletico and claimed the German international would not play for the team again this season.

However, responding to Keown’s criticism, Wenger told reporters, “I don’t agree [that Ozil didn’t work hard].

“I think you will see that when you analyse his physical performance that he gave a lot tonight.”