Mikel Arteta has insisted that Mesut Ozil will not be able to change Arsenal's fortunes on his own.
The German had a difficult start to the season following an attempted robbery in August before being left out of squads by Unai Emery and Freddie Ljungberg but has come into his own under Arteta.
In both games managed by the Spaniard (Bournemouth away and Chelsea at home), Ozil has been the standout player. At Bournemouth, he was Arsenal's creative hub - making four key passes - before helping grasp control of the game vs Chelsea where he was brought down three times.
Although he has starred under Arteta, Arsenal's new head coach was keen to ensure that the responsibility to lift the side doesn't sit with Ozil alone.
"On his own, he cannot do it (lift the Emirates)," the 37-year-old said ahead of Manchester United's visit to the Emirates.
"That's why he needs the collective structure and organisation of his teammates. I think there are only one or two players in the world who can do things on their own.
"He needs help and he needs the team to play in a certain way to facilitate his strengths more in the game and that's what we're trying to do."
"I put him in the team if I see everyday that his attitude, his desire, his understanding of what we're trying to do is there and he has the will. If he is in a better moment than somebody else I will pick him, the moment this changes, he won't play."
Arteta's plan to solve the problems behind Ozil have been evident in both games he has taken charge of. Lucas Torreira has taken up much deeper positions and Ainsley Maitland-Niles has been used as an inverted full-back to act as a third central midfielder, easing the pressure off those around him.
With this structure becoming more settled, the German has been able to hold higher positions, wait for the ball to come to him and then do damage. Whether that's by driving forward, sweeping passes across the pitch or feeding those ahead off him, he has benefited greatly.
"I just try to prepare the team collectively and individually with the strengths and weaknesses that we have," Arteta added.
"To avoid the weaknesses and promote our strengths as much as possible. I think Mesut in those kinds of positions is very effective."
Even though Ozil has played his best football under Arteta this season, meeting the Spaniard's demands have come at a cost. Against Bournemouth and Chelsea, he was brought off with 15 minutes to play as he had given everything he could.
Since his arrival in England, accusations have been lobbied at Ozil for not being able to play this type of game but it hasn't shocked Arteta, who saw the German jog off the Emirates turf to a standing ovation vs Chelsea.
"That's what I'm hoping, that he can sustain that level every three or four days," the head coach said.
"He's putting everything he has to try and do that. His numbers physically have improved so much as well and he's willing. I see that everyday in training.
"I knew him really well so I'm not surprised. I know his ability and the player we have there. The structure has to help him as well, for him to be able to take everything he has."
