Steven Gerard has slammed Mesut Ozil in the wake of Arsenal’s 1-0 loss to Stoke City.
Gerard picked on the Germany international footballer for exhibiting uninspiring displays during the Premier League match.
Jese Rodriguez’s debut 47th minute goal was all that Stoke needed to hand Arsenal their first 2017-18 English Premier League defeat.
Arsene Wenger’s side struggled in the same manner against low-rated teams last season, and their ball possession advantage could have proved useful today. However, the Gunners failed to add up with goals.
Instead, a defensive error from Granit Xhaka and Mesut Ozil granted Saido Berahino a comfortable chance to link up with Jese, who slotted the ball past a helpless Petr Cech.
Speaking with BT Sport, Gerard said: ‘We all know what damage he [Ozil] can cause on a very good day. He’s a world class talent and excellent in ball possession but I must say that he performed badly against Stoke.
He continued, ‘I care more about his discouraging body language and reaction anytime he or the team losses possession of the ball.
‘He makes no contribution defensively. Yet, up front, he’s a liability.
“Both his and Xhaka’s reaction in the build-up to the goal is weak. Ozil gives up and quits, he doesn’t track the run.’
