Arsenal fans turn anger towards midfielder in Mesut Ozil’s absence
Germany international Mesut Ozil avoided Arsenal fans scorn following his sides defeat to Liverpool on Saturday due to an illness.
Ozil sat out of the Gunners 3-1 defeat at the hands of Liverpool after failing a late fitness test.
The 28-year-old has turned into something of a scapegoat in recent weeks. Ozil agent Dr Erkut Sogut told BBC Sport that his client is being singled out for criticism.
More: For Mesut Ozil news and everything you want to know about the Arsenal star
Francis Coquelin received the heavy criticism on social media following the north London based side’s defeat. Coquelin has previously been highly praised by Arsenal fans after breaking into the starting eleven during the 2014/15 season.
However, the combative midfielder was the fans prime target after his display at Anfield.
Coquelin played just 45 minutes on Saturday and was substituted off at half time by manager Arsene Wenger.
Coquelin should never play for Arsenal again.
— Gregor Vasconcelos (@greggyvp) March 4, 2017
Remember when Arsenal fans booed Eboue and made him cry? We need to do that with Coquelin.
— Paddy (@VieiraPaddy) March 4, 2017
Coquelin better pray Wenger never leaves. If a new manager comes, he'll be one of the first to be sold.
— Gurjit (@GurjitAFC) March 4, 2017
I'd have more sympathy for Arsene if he wasn't starting Coquelin every week.
— David (@Gooner_66) March 4, 2017
I'd swap coquelin for any starting midfielder from any top 6 side in any of the top 5 European leagues. Or for a handful of pocket lint.
— YankeeGunner (@YankeeGunner) March 4, 2017
BT keep mentioning the introduction of Sanchez being the difference but it's actually removing Coquelin from the middle of the park.
— I'llGoNearPost (@ilGoNearPost) March 4, 2017
Arsenal take on Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League next week. The Gunners need to score at least 4 goals if they are to stand a chance of qualification.