Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown has delivered a damning verdict on Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez claiming that they need to take some responsibility for the club’s poor season.
The Gunners finished outside of the top four places for the first time during Arsene Wenger’s reign at the club as they missed out to Liverpool on the final day of the season by a single point.
Similar to the manager, both Ozil and Sanchez have refused to clarify whether they’re going to sign contract extensions to stay at the club for the long-term future.
Speaking on behalf of BT Sport, as quoted by the Sun, Keown had some harsh words for Arsenal’s best attacking talents and claims that their performances were not up to standard.
“It became about Ozil and Sanchez for too long in the season,” he said.
“Their behaviour let Arsenal down in that period.
“Ozil wasn’t available for large periods. Was he injured, wasn’t he? Was it sickness, was it injury?
“He didn’t seem to be around when they needed him most.
“It’s not fair on some of the other players. I’ve been a bit surprised how the group have been a bit nice with them. That’s what really has to be considered: how is that affecting other players?”
Despite scoring four more goals than last season, it’s Ozil’s creativity which has taken the biggest hit this season especially in the Premier League. This year, he’s only provided eight assists compared to the 19 he produced during the 2015/16 campaign.
Sanchez has enjoyed his best Premier League season since moving to the Emirates in 2014 as he’s surpassed the 20-goal mark for the first time at the club.