Wenger backs under-fire star

– Arsene Wenger was left devastated by Arsenal’s Europa League defeat to Atletico Madrid on Thursday but sprang to the defence of midfielder Mesut Oezil (above).

Oezil’s performance was heavily criticised by former Arsenal defender Martin Keown, who said the German had cried “crocodile tears” after the game, and was “not fit to wear the shirt”.

Diego Costa’s strike proved decisive at the Wanda Metropolitano where a 1-0 victory secured Atletico a 2-1 win on aggregate and a place in the final against Marseille.

Defeat ends Wenger’s hopes of leaving Arsenal on a high as his team missed out on a shot at a major trophy and squandered their last chance to qualify for the Champions League.

“I’m very sad,” Wenger said. “Unfortunately you have to go through that – the game can be very cruel, sometimes very nice, but the suffering is very strong.

“Looking at the chances over the two games the least we could say is we are very frustrated. The tie should have been over in the first game.”

It remains to be seen how another season outside Europe’s premier tournament will affect Arsenal’s search both for a new coach, and new signings.

Keown reserved a particularly harsh assessment for Oezil.

“He wasn’t fit to wear the shirt tonight,” Keown told BT Sport. “I’ve seen this a lot this season and it needs to be said. We expect better from him.”

Keown added: “I bet he doesn’t play again this season. He’ll have some emotional breakdown and won’t play this weekend.”

When Keown’s comments were put to Wenger, he said: “I don’t agree with that. You will see that he gave a lot. It was a difficult team, physically very intense.

“I’m convinced Oezil should not be criticised by anyone just because he did not score. We had plenty of opportunities.”

Costa was the star of the show, providing the killer instinct Arsenal so desperately lacked.

“Costa came back here for nights like this,” Atletico coach Diego Simeone said. “To lead from the front. This side needs an aggressive striker and that’s exactly what he is.”–

Madrid

I’ve seen this a lot this season and it needs to be said. We expect better.

Martin Keown Former Arsenal defender