Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has defended Mesut Ozil amid criticism of the midfielder's lack of goals and assists this season.
The former Germany international's first appearance of the campaign was in the 2-2 draw with Watford in early September, but missed the next two games before captaining the side in a 5-0 Carabao Cup win over Nottingham Forest.
He didn't see out the 90 minutes on that occasion and had to wait until round four to get another run-out.
Despite the Gunners crashing out of the competition on penalties following a thrilling 5-5 draw away at Liverpool, Ozil earned big praise for his performance at Anfield.
Creating numerous goalscoring chances and claiming a wonderful assist was enough for a recall to Unai Emery's Premier League starting line-up against Wolves at the beginning of Novemeber.
Ozil was a regular in the team right up until Emery's sacking and both Freddie Ljungberg and Arteta have kept faith in the Gunners no.10.
However, the 31-year-old is yet to repay that faith where it matters.
His only assist in his last nine games was against Brighton and Hove Albion last month, while he's yet to find the back of the net so far this season.
Ozil's work-rate off the ball has certainly caught the eye, but his lack of goals contribution has prompted criticism from some sections of supporters and media alike.
Yet Arteta is happy with what he's seen from Ozil and believes the attacking midfielder has been unlucky to have not improved on this record during his reign as head coach.
"The demands that we have to put on him are to make the difference every single game," Arteta explained. "To do that he needs the right structure and players around him to help him to do that.
"I think he could have had more assists and probably more goals in the games he has played under me which has been a little bit unlucky but overall I think that his performance has improved a lot."
Next up for Ozil and company is a big Premier League encounter against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.
The two London rivals met at the Emirates Stadium just under a month ago and it was the Blues who came out on top thanks to a couple of late second half goals from Jorginho and Tammy Abraham.
With the Gunners 10 points off the final Champions League spot they could really do with victory in west London and it would be a great time for Ozil to score or assist in the Premier League.
