SANTI CARZOLA: Arsenal Needs Ozil To Be In Form

Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla feels that a drop in form is only natural, even for a player as talented as Mesut Ozil. The €50 million man's contribution for the Gunners has been heavily criticised in the wake of a poor performance in their 5-1 hammering at the hands of Liverpool on Saturday, with some pundits suggesting that the former Real Madrid is suffering from fatigue due to the lack of a winter break in England.

However, former Malaga man Cazorla does not feel that a hectic Christmas period is to blame for Ozil's blip.

"I don't think the winter break is a big factor," the Spain international told his club's official website.


"The truth is every player has a little dip at some point in the season; it's very difficult to always be on top form.

"The problem Mesut has is, when he's on form, everyone can play off him and, when his form drops a bit, he is missed.

"You have to make him feel appreciated and give him the confidence he needs.

"He's a key player for us and let's hope that he gets back on form. We all have great confidence in him."

With reigning champions Manchester United up next on Wednesday, Cazorla is keen to put the Liverpool defeat behind them by winning at the Emirates Stadium.

The midfielder added: "The good thing about football is there's always another game and the sooner the better.

"On top of that, we have a one against a great rival like Man Utd, who are Premier League champions.

"It will be very difficult, of course, but what better chance to turn things around than by beating United in front of the home crowd?"