Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has defended Mesut Ozil after the Germany international was once again criticised by some of the club’s fans.

The midfielder, who cost £42.5million from Real Madrid last year, has come under fire in recent weeks by some supporters.

Ozil started Saturday’s clash against Manchester City at the Emirates and Wenger insists he was pleased with his contribution.

Wenger insists the former Madrid star is a crucial team player and he has urged fans to be patient.

He said: “People always have this kind of attitude about him. He worked hard against City and he played quite well.

“You see a good Ozil when you watch the game again. Then you realise his timing, his quality of the pass and something you can be frustrated by during the game, but you must not overreact.

“When you watch the game in a cool manner, you see what a good player he is. I have so many offensive players. I give him freedom to play outside and inside and he likes that.

“It is not easy but Ozil is a team player and he takes it very well.”

Ozil will be eager to impress in Tuesday’s clash against Borussia Dortmund and Wenger has revealed that his only injury concern is Mathieu Debuchy.

The right-back was stretchered off during Saturday’s draw against City.

The Gunners are 3.72 to win with the draw 3.27, while Dortmund are 2.02.