Jamie Redknapp has blasted Mesut Ozil for being a passenger during Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to Tottenham, saying there was a “distinct difference” between the German and Spurs’ attacking-midfielder Christian Eriksen.
Goals from Dele Alli and Harry Kane condemned the Gunners to defeat in Sunday’s north London derby while also securing Tottenham’s first finish ahead of Arsenal in the Premier League since 1995.
Ozil in particular stood out for the wrong reasons for the away side in this contest, with Tottenham counterpart Eriksen showing up the Arsenal midfielder with a superb effort for Mauricio Pochettino’s men.
And Redknapp has slammed Ozil for his lack of impact in such a crucial match for his team, criticising the 28-year-old’s work ethic, particular in comparison to what Eriksen offered Spurs.
Redknapp said on Sky Sports: “Look at Mesut Ozil today. He and Christian Eriken are very similar players – luxury players – they are the sort of players who open the doors and you don’t expect them to put much hard work in.
“When I looked at Ozil compared to Eriksen there was a distinct difference. The work ethic and pressing, the amount of time Eriksen won the ball and in open play, he was fantastic.
“Then on the flip side what Ozil offered his team, you want a piece of magic to open the door. I’ve mentioned it and Frank [Lampard, fellow pundit] has mentioned it, passengers, you can’t have passengers in North London derbies.
“There are miles too many and they have to change that next year. There are too many players who look comfortable in that red and white shirt who don’t deserve to be in it.
“It is not good enough and they are not trying hard enough. I think they are five, six, seven players short of the players they need. There are more questions than answers at Arsenal at the moment.”
Ozil did manage an 87% pass accuracy in this match but the German only created two chances in the contest, while failing to register a single shot in the match.
The midfielder also didn’t attempted any take-ons and only one of his three crosses found a team-mate.
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