Mesut Ozil needs to step up and perform in Arsenal’s big games, according to former Gunners keeper Jens Lehmann.

The German international midfielder moved to the Emirates from Real Madrid two seasons ago for a club record €50 million fee.

Ozil endured a difficult first campaign with the Gunners, but did step up last season and earned plaudits as he made adaptations to cope with the physical demands of the Premier League.

However, despite some improved displays, the 26-year-old still struggled to produce top-notch performances on a regular basis and often found himself overshadowed by the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Santi Cazorla during the last campaign.

Lehman claims Ozil’s performances in the biggest games for Arsenal is one area where he really needs to improve, as he can often go missing in matches against their top rivals for the Premier League.

The former Arsenal keeper told The Sun: “Everyone knows he can be a fantastic player. But you need to be a fantastic player in the big games.

“You don’t need to be a fantastic player in the small games and mediocre player in the big games.

“He can definitely do that but now he must prove it. You need to know how to think and how to programme yourself.

“Of course he can improve. You can’t get better on the day that you retire from football – but you can every day before that.”

Arsenal are 5.00 to win the Premier League title next season, while Chelsea are priced at 2.50 and Manchester City are 3.75.