Sky Sports reporter Graeme Souness has criticised Mesut Ozil for his lack of passion after the German was taken off in Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Ozil appeared to sulk off the pitch after he was replaced by Danny Welbeck, throwing his gloves on the ground and refusing to acknowledge manager Unai Emery as he walked towards the substitutes bench.
Souness suggested Ozil should show that sort of passion more often on the pitch rather than when on the subs bench.
To be fair, Ozil showed a great deal of passion when he was subbed today. That’s the most I’ve ever seen him show in a game of football.
You’re the captain, when you’re on the pitch show courage to get on the ball when you’re not dominating. Show real passion, maybe you’re not built for it but certainly make an attempt to make a few challenges and win the ball back for your team.
He doesn’t do that. I’m sorry to harp on about him a bit but a man with that much talent should influence games like that.
However Emery said that Ozil’s reaction is perfectly normal and understandable.
It is normal not to be happy.
I like the players like him who show the character when we are not playing well, and when I substituted him at 2-1, usually every player wants to continue playing.
