MESUT OZIL’S rant at the end of Arsenal’s drab defeat to Brighton was aimed at interim boss Freddie Ljungberg, NOT Alexandre Lacazette as some had suggested.
That is the view of former Manchester United and Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves, who claimed the German’s performance during the 2-1 loss meant he was wrong to throw a tantrum.
Arsenal’s defeat to Brighton mean the Gunners are on their worst run of form for 42 YEARS and are without a win in nine games.
Goals from Adam Webster and Neal Maupay either side of Lacazette’s equaliser saw the North Londoners slip to tenth in the table.
After the full-time whistle, Ozil became involved in a heated exchange with former teammate Per Mertesacker as he left the pitch.
As the 31-year-old was helped to the sidelines by Matteo Guendouzi he appeared to shout “Laca! Laca!” while he threw his hands in the air.
Though fans assumed this meant that Ozil was annoyed with Lacazette, Hargreaves believes his anger was aimed at Ljungberg for substituting the French striker when Arsenal were in search of a goal.
He said: “You cant play that way and be critical of the coaching staff.
“If he plays with his heart on his sleeve you could accept it, obviously if Freddie say that he wouldnt be happy.
“I dont think it was aimed at Per, it was aimed at Freddie.
“He didnt do enough, Mesut Ozil.
“To have that reaction I love Mesut Ozil more than anyone, but he didnt do enough in the game to warrant that reaction.
“I love him in a functioning team, hes one of the best creators and best passers weve had in the Premier League. He is, he can do that.
“As a football player hes a beautiful player to watch but his intensity levels arent good enough at this level.
“Too many managers have accommodated that and thats why he struts around and plays that way.
“But essentially if Freddie is going to say Im going to play you, Mesut, but I need you to lead. He didnt, definitely not.
“If youre a manager at some point theres got to be consequences for the player. Thats unacceptable.”
