Arsenal Favourite Defends Ozil - Here's Why He Is Correct

Arsenal's fine form has been a result of a couple of things. The main one, for me, is the continued reliability of Per Mertesacker in the heart of the defence.

The giant German has 24 Premier League appearances to his name this season and another seven in the Champions League and has been a standout player throughout. The 29-year-old is a real fan favourite at the Emirates and he has used that status to stick up for his compatriot Mesut Ozil, who has run into some stick after his missed penalty against Bayern Munich.

Mertesacker has shared his views on the former Real Madrid playmaker's form and the expectations of the supporters, saying people can't realistically keep his impressive performances to the high standards.

He's right, too. Ozil didn't have a proper pre season yet has been involved in 21 league games, seven Champions League ties and a handful of other games in the cup. So far he has eight league assists, with another two in Europe, and five goals overall.

He has been the creative hub in north London since he arrived and is a huge reason why the Gunners have had so much success this time round, though his displays have faded of late.

For me he needs a rest and I completely agree with Mertesacker - expectations need to perhaps be lowered around him.