Mesut Ozil Says Arsenal 'Screwed Up' Title Bid, Expects Summer Transfers

Arsenal star Mesut Ozil admitted the Gunners have shot themselves in the foot during their title challenge by not playing their best football against the "smaller" sides.

Arsene Wenger's men are 11 points back from Premier League leaders Leicester City and are falling rapidly out of contention for the title, although Ozil believes they are still in with a chance, per German outlet Spox.com (via Anthony Hay on MailOnline):

"

Looking at our season so far, we have to be honest and admit that we screwed up ourselves. 

We did not play to our potential in the games against the so-called smaller teams. You immediately get punished for that in the Premier League.

But we still have a chance of winning the title. We have to hope Leicester and Tottenham [Hotspur] slip up and then make the most of it.

I would be delighted for Wenger if we win the title. He played a major role in my decision to join Arsenal. He was desperate to sign me. Everybody knows he is an extraordinary manager. He is always hungry for success, has a lot of experience and always takes his time for the players. He helps players develop.

"

Recent results have not been good enough for a side supposedly chasing the title, with the Gunners claiming only three league victories in their last 10 matches—a run that included defeats to Swansea City, Manchester United and Chelsea and draws with Stoke City, Southampton and Spurs.  

#	Team	Pl	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
1	Leicester City	31	19	9	3	54	31	23	66
2	Tottenham Hotspur	31	17	10	4	56	24	32	61
3	Arsenal	30	16	7	7	48	30	18	55
4	Manchester City	30	15	6	9	52	32	20	51
5	West Ham United	30	13	11	6	47	35	12	50
6	Manchester United	30	14	8	8	38	27	11	50

Arsenal are in third spot and are six points behind north London rivals Tottenham in second, although they do have a game in hand over both teams above them.

Ozil has been arguably the Gunners' best player this season, providing 18 assists in the league, although only two of them have come in the last 10 matches, per WhoScored.com.

He is likely to be in the running for the Premier League Player of the Season award, per Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe and Dean Jones:

It looks as though Arsenal are set to miss out on the Premier League title for the 12th season in a row. 

In his Spox.com interview, Ozil, 27, urged his club to make some more signings in the summer (via Hay): "We will only see more good players in the Premier League in the future due to the new TV deal. Teams will only get stronger and Arsenal will have to strengthen as well. This season has shown that we struggle when we are missing a number of key players. We cannot allow this to happen again next season."

With the international break over, Arsenal are back in Premier League action on Saturday against Watford, a must-win game for Wenger's side.

Indeed, to have any chance of title glory, the Gunners will likely have to win all of their remaining eight matches.

That includes difficult trips to the likes of West Ham United and Manchester City, but as noted by Ozil, Arsenal need to start performing against the lesser sides as well.

A decent 2-0 win over Everton last time out will give them confidence ahead of hosting the Hornets at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal will also be looking for revenge after Watford knocked them out of the FA Cup earlier in March.