Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger defends Mesut Ozil from criticism

It seems to be a weekly occurrence at this point.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has once again jumped to the defense of midfielder Mesut Ozil, who has come under heavy criticism following his performance in the 2-2 draw against Manchester City this past weekend.

The German midfielder is a lightning rod for those who don't appreciate the subtle brilliance in his game. When he isn't directly involved in an Arsenal goal, he's labelled as an expensive flop. When he does contribute on the scoresheet in some way, he's called out for lacking the necessary effort to be a star.

Both arguments, of course, are ludicrous. 

The 25-year-old, whom Arsenal paid £42.5 million to acquire from Real Madrid last year, remains one of the best creative midfielders on the planet. Often played out of position on the wing, Ozil is directly involved in almost all of the positive attacking moves the Gunners generate.

But the need to pin disappointing results on someone has made the midfielder the de facto target, and Wenger has once again been forced to defend the player from baseless accusations.

By now, he's used to it.

"People always have this kind of attitude about him," Wenger said. "He worked hard against City and he played quite well.

"You see a good Ozil when you watch the game again. Then you realise his timing, his quality of the pass and something you can be frustrated during the game but you must not overreact.

"When you watch the game in a cool manner, you see what a good player he is. I have so many offensive players. I give him freedom to play outside and inside and he likes that.

"It is not easy but Ozil is a team player and he takes it very well."