Aston Villa vs. Arsenal: Arsene Wenger Launches Mesut Ozil Defence in Presser

Arsene Wenger has defended Mesut Ozil ahead of Arsenal's challenging Premier League trip to Aston Villa.

The French boss questioned widespread criticism of the German international, who continues to underwhelm in a wide role that overlooks his best qualities. Wenger reacted bullishly upon questioning from the press, as tweeted by James Olley of the London Evening Standard:

Wenger also called upon fans to give Ozil time during this difficult spell. Arsenal's official Twitter account posted the manager's comments ahead of the trip to Villa Park:

Ozil's arrival in 2013 produced a feel-good factor in the Arsenal squad. He immediately slotted into the team and aided the club's progress with goals and assists, but the former Real Madrid man's influence has waned considerably since the turn of the year.

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

Traditionally a floating No. 10, Ozil has been unable to provide an effective attacking outlet or reliable defensive cover from the flank. A plethora of coverage among the English press has asked why Wenger chooses to play the £42 million man out of position—highlighted via articles from the Daily Mail's Adrian Durham, the Mirror's John Cross and former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes.

Scholes summed up the thoughts of many during his recent column for The Independent:

"

[Ozil] is not interested in defending and he needs to be in the centre, among good quality players who get the best out of him. He has that languid style which makes it look like he isn’t trying. I am sure that isn’t the case but he is struggling to find his form and he is too good a player to waste.

"

Arsenal have won just two of their last seven fixtures and are without a Premier League victory since the opening day of the season, per WhoScored.com. Wenger knows his team need to quickly string together a run of form, per the club's social media feed:

Wenger has a number of injury problems to deal with, particularly in defence. He is likely to deploy Calum Chambers in a right-back role after Mathieu Debuchy confirmed he has sustained a broken ligament in his left ankle during the draw with Manchester City, as reported by Luke Augustus for the Daily Mail.

Wenger provided an update on his fallen star, per Olley:

The boss praised Chambers for his impressive performances so far this season, as noted by the club:

Wenger also provided some good news, highlighting the likelihood of Jack Wilshere making an appearance in the Midlands after picking up a knock against Borussia Dortmund. Olley tweeted the quotes:

Arsenal already sit six points off the Premier League summit after four matches. Victory against Villa can ignite their domestic campaign, especially considering leaders Chelsea face a difficult trip to face City at the Etihad. Tottenham Hotspur and Jose Mourinho's Blues are next up after Villa in the Premier League, meaning a rapid improvement is needed.

Ozil's form can be key to Arsenal kicking into gear. The 25-year-old could certainly use a push through the middle and needs to gain possession more often for the Gunners, who lack his creative influence when he fails to receive the ball. Wenger's defence of the player is expected, but the manager may need to acknowledge his questionable tactical choices if Ozil continues performing poorly in an unnatural role.