It has been a difficult season for Arsenal so far - and for Mesut Ozil.
The German midfielder has only featured 11 times for the Gunners after falling in and out of favour under previous boss Unai Emery, while he was also not in the matchday squad for the game against Everton today.
Interim head coach Freddie Ljungberg admitted that although Ozil was injured, he would not have featured against the Toffees, with the Swede wanting to make a stance after the German's reaction to being substituted last weekend against Manchester City.
Ozil showed his frustration by taking off his gloves and kicking them away as he was replaced early in the second half at the Emirates Stadium, with Ljungberg stating that was not the behaviour expected by him of an Arsenal player.
But amid criticism of his performances and Arsenal's poor form so far this season, a former Gunner has spoken out to defend Ozil, who has been linked with a move away in January.
Lauren, who was a member of the Arsenal Invincibles team, has suggested that Ozil has been unfairly treated and that everyone must rally together, with the Gunners beginning a new era under head coach Mikel Arteta.
“It is always unfair to point the finger at one striker, one midfielder or one defender," Lauren said, speaking exclusively to 888sport .
"When things don’t go well everyone has to push together and find a way to win and get the three points every weekend. [Mesut] Ozil is just one player in the whole team. Sure he is one of the best and has the most quality so he gets the criticism. But it is unfair.”
Read the full 888sport interview with Lauren here .
