Former Arsenal captain Tony Adams defended Mesut Ozil following his post-match rant after the 2-1 defeat to Brighton at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners suffered a shock defeat against Brighton at home in the Premier League on Thursday.

The victory was Brighton’s first against the traditional big six and sent Arsenal into their worst slump since 1977.

The north London outfit have now gone two months without a win and Mesut Ozil who started made it abundantly clear what he thought after the final whistle.

The playmaker of Turkish origin had a rant and was seen gesturing in the direction of former teammate Per Mertesacker, who is assisting interim boss Freddie Ljungberg.

Adams backed Ozil and praised the 31-year-old for showing ‘a little bit of spirit’ following the terrible result.

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“I don’t mind that actually. There’s a little bit of spirit there. I don’t mind that,” Adams told Premier League productions. ‘

“Maybe he should have done it before the game. Before the game take that attitude on to the pitch.

“The game’s gone now, it’s all over.

“If he’d got the frustration out before the game and say ‘I’m really go and run around and do my stuff today’. He’s frustrated, obviously.”

Ozil struggled for playing time this season under the stewardship of former manager Unai Emery but has started both games since Ljungberg took charge.

The Gunners take on West Ham away in their next Premier League game followed by a difficult run of games against Manchester City, Chelsea, Everton and Bournemouth before the end of the year and then Manchester United on new years day.