Arsenal's Lukas Podolski: Leave Mesut Ozil alone

Lukas Podolski and Mesut Ozil

Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski has defended his team mate Mesut Ozil with a message on his official Facebook page after the former Real Madrid star missed a crucial penalty in the north Londoners defeat to Bayern Munich.

The Gunners began the game in fantastic fashion but Ozil spurned a glorious opportunity to give his side the lead early on when his poor spot kick attempt was saved easily by Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

Arsene Wenger criticised the the 25-year-old’s casual run-up for the penalty and Ozil failed to recover from such a huge set back, drifting out of the game completely as the Bundesliga outfit took control and ran out 2-0 winners on the night.

With the Germans holding a two goal advantage, Arsenal face a mountain to climb at the Allianz arena in the second leg but team mate and countryman Podolski has offered his support to Ozil, who has become the scapegoat for the defeat.

Following his £42.4 million move Ozil has struggled to replicate his form from Spain in recent weeks but Podolski remains adamant that the team must stick together if they are to succeed.

However, Gunners fans have waited eight years for silverware and patience is drawing thin with their record signing as his displays do not look like those of man that is committed to the club’s cause.

See Podolski’s message (translated) in full below:

Mesut Ozil completed five defensive actions against Bayern Munich, two more than any other Arsenal midfielder.

Mesut Ozil made two clearances as well as three interceptions