Arsenal are set for a big week following the aftermath of their 1-0 defeat to Stoke City on Saturday afternoon, a loss which raises the pressure upon the Gunners ahead of this weekend’s crunch tie with Liverpool at Anfield.

Plenty of fingers have been pointed following the 1-0 defeat, which continued Arsenal’s record of failing to win their opening two games of the Premier League season. Following their failures last season, the difficulties endured at the start of this campaign have raised serious questions.

Arsene Wenger flexed his muscles in the market with the addition of Alexandre Lacazette for a club-record fee but Arsenal have not done any incoming transfer business since, which is a major concern as question marks continue to fly above the heads of some key-players.

Alexis Sanchez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain both have less than 12 months remaining on their deals, and look unlikely to sign an extension, whilst Mesut Ozil is in the same situation- although he’s considered to be more likely to pen a new deal than the aforementioned duo.

However, Arsenal legend Martin Keown believes the German doesn’t want to be at the Emirates Stadium and heavily criticised the World Cup winner, going as far as stating he’s the most frustrating player he’s ever seen in the Gunners’ red and white.

Speaking to The Daily Mail after the loss to Stoke, the former Arsenal defender said:

“Mesut Ozil is the most frustrating player I’ve seen wear an Arsenal shirt. He is an icing-on-the-cake player — someone who is happy to create the chances to win matches but will not scrap and fight for the team.”

“Ozil is an expensive luxury — but if he is not going to work hard out of possession then he must do so when he has the ball. Why isn’t he running at players with menace and asking questions of them? It’s not enough just to be out there — he needs to be controlling games.”

“Ozil has not yet signed a contract so we must assume he does not want to be at the club. But if he is just trying to see out his time at Arsenal, that is going to be a long year for all involved. He must forget about himself, give his all for the fans and the club and then go gracefully.”

Ozil has taken a lot of flack from the media since arriving from Real Madrid in 2013, then a club-record fee, and he continues to divide opinion due to his inconsistent performances. However, blaming him for Saturday’s defeat is certainly excessive.