Not so long ago, there was a growing sense that this would be the season that Arsenal ended their wait for league success.
Having negotiated their way through November – a month where Arsene Wenger’s side have come unstuck in recent years – relatively unscathed, things were looking up.
However, a defeat to Everton in midweek has now been followed by a loss at the Etihad, with Manchester City overturning Theo Walcott’s opener to record a 2-1 victory.
Supporters were left disappointed by their side’s showing in the second half, with many singling out Mesut Özil for a particularly lacklustre display.
The World Cup winner, who is in discussions with the club over a new contract, failed to have any impact on the game as goals from Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling turned the result on its head.
Arsenal supporters vented their frustration at his performance on Twitter.
Many pointed out that on this evidence, a new and improved contract was simply not merited.
https://twitter.com/crowlec10/status/810545731891302401
And you know Özil’s had a stinker when someone with the Twitter handle ‘@BigMesutOzil’ is telling him to fuck off.
Snapped, fuck off Ozil
— Josh (@BigMesutOzil) December 18, 2016
This fan pointed out that he was just as anonymous at Goodison Park on Tuesday.
Ozil has been anonymous. Embarassing performance vs Everton and today again.
— The Gooners (@TheGooners__) December 18, 2016
Other Gooners noted that it was another example of Özil failing to turn up in a big game…
https://twitter.com/The_GFP/status/810536734152937472
I'm a big Ozil fan, but we can't pay him elite money if he goes missing in games like this. @Arsenal
— Scott (@Scott_9) December 18, 2016
As per usual when Arsenal lose a game, Arsene Wenger shared some of the blame.
Ozil is pants. Tactics are pants.
— Luke (@lwestw4) December 18, 2016
While this fan suggested Özil should make way for on-loan Jack Wilshere…
We need to bin Ozil for Wilshere in January
— Pepeto (@vanpepeto) December 18, 2016
And because we’re near enough to a transfer window now, there was plenty more talk of who else could come in and replace him if Wenger decided to get shut of him.
https://twitter.com/lloydfame/status/810545739071889408
Catch up with this week’s episode of Football Friday Live:
