Mesut Ozil must not be used as a scapegoat for Arsenal’s shortcomings, manager Arsene Wenger has insisted. The German World Cup winner, who is Arsenal’s record £42 million signing, has come under fire following a couple of uninspiring displays, culminating in the 2-0 Champions League defeat away to Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday night. Wenger, though, rejected constant criticism of the 25-year-old, who remains an integral part of his plans. “Why should he be a scapegoat? For what? We’ve lost one game since April 1. Let’s be realistic,” said Wenger, whose side travel to Aston Villa today. “We have come out of a very difficult preparation period with decisive games. We had very difficult games against Besiktas. I don’t know — a scapegoat for what?” Wenger says supporters should not worry about how to get the best out of club-record signing Ozil, who will continue to have a free role within his side. “(Ozil’s best position) is a secondary debate in my opinion because he has freedom to play when we have the ball and go where he wants,” said Wenger. “If you look at the heat map where he plays, you will be amazed where he is all over the pitch. “I signed a striker, with (Alexis) Sanchez (joining in the summer). We have another striker, (Danny) Welbeck. We have a lot of offensive players, with Ozil, (Jack) Wilshere and (Aaron) Ramsey — and even (Mikel) Arteta when he plays is initially an offensive player. “We have to find a balance between attacking and defending, that is why it is not an easy subject.” Arsenal expect to have defender Calum Chambers and midfielder Mathieu Flamini available again after missing the Dortmund game. Wilshere’s ankle knock is not serious, but the club are still waiting on news of the full extent of the ankle ligament damage suffered by full-back Mathieu Debuchy against Manchester City. Arsenal are unbeaten in the Premier League, but have now drawn three matches. Wenger said: “We want to respond at Villa. We had a disappointing performance more than a defeat. “I think what was important is that we came out of Saturday’s game feeling that we had a very good performance and on Tuesday night we didn’t, so it’s important we come back. “We have confidence in our strengths and we want to show that we can perform in the game that is important on Saturday.” Meanwhile Villa boss Paul Lambert — a former Dortmund player — expects Arsenal to be back to their best at Villa Park. Lambert said: “Dortmund were fantastic. I don’t think anyone should underestimate that Arsenal are a right good side. “Arsenal will be around and about it again in the Premier League this season. “I am under no illusions about how hard this game for us will be. It will be a really tough match. They are a top side with great players.” * Arsenal have posted a £4.7million profit and reported increased turnover in their latest financial figures released on Friday. The results, which covered the year ended May 31, 2014, also revealed the club had cash reserves of £173m. Wages were up by £12million to £166.4million, representing 55.7 per cent of football revenue, with key players such as Theo Walcott, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere having all signed new, improved contracts. The latest balance sheet showed a total £207.9m cash reserve, inclusive of £34.6m annual debt- service on the stadium repayments, up around £54m from the same period last year. Overall net debt was reported as £32.6m, down from £93.2m. Even though the latest figures do not include the summer transfers of some £60m or the wages associated with those deals, Arsenal clearly remain in a strong financial position going forwards. The next set of results are also expected to show an impact from the new Puma kit deal, worth some £150m over five years.
Posted on: Sat, 20 Sep 2014 06:55:27 +0000
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