Mesut Ozil and the 5 Arsenal Players Who Must Improve vs. Aston Villa

After another anonymous display in the Champions League, the critics are rounding on Arsenal's Mesut Ozil.

Speaking to John Cross of the Daily Mirror, Arsene Wenger sought to defend Ozil's recent performances:

"

Why should he be a scapegoat? For what? We've lost one game since April 1. Let's be realistic.

We've come out of a very difficult preparation period with decisive games. We had very difficult games against Besiktas. I don't know a scapegoat for what?

They should not be concerned and just support him. I understand that you want your best players always to make the difference in every single game and we all go through period where we are a bit less good. You help.

"

Despite Wenger's impassioned rallying cry, there will still be plenty of attention on the German international at Villa Park. 

This is the time for Ozil to respond. Arsenal need to bounce back this weekend, and a productive display from their club record signing would doubtless be a huge boost toward doing just that.

Ozil isn't the only player who owes the club an improvement. Go to the next slide to discover the other Arsenal players who must produce a significantly better performance if the Gunners are to triumph this weekend. 

Mesut Ozil

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Mesut Ozil endured a very difficult night on his return to Germany. If he is selected to play at Villa Park, which is far from certain, he must produce a better performance.

Some fans feel he would be better served by playing through the middle. However, that seems unlikely to prove the panacea many hope. Ozil's biggest problem would appear to be confidence.

With that in mind, dropping him might do more harm than good. Arsene Wenger might be forced to persist with his mercurial playmaker. 

Aaron Ramsey

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Aaron Ramsey was undoubtedly the star of Arsenal's 2013/14 campaign. However, thus far this season, he has failed to replicate that form.

Against Borussia Dortmund, he was wasteful in possession. Bad habits crept back into his game, such as attempting unnecessary back-heels when a more simple pass was available.

Ramsey needs to get back to basics to rebuild his form. 

Danny Welbeck

Martin Meissner/Associated Press

Danny Welbeck already looks like being an ideal team player. His movement is good, he has a fantastic work-rate and he brings a much-needed physical presence to the team.

However, he also needs to bring goals. Against Dortmund, he missed a series of presentable opportunities. A goal at Villa Park would get the fans off his back and give his confidence a major boost ahead of next week's derby game. 

Per Mertesacker

Martin Meissner/Associated Press

Like Mesut Ozil, Per Mertesacker seems to be suffering from a post-World Cup hangover.

Arsenal need him to sober up—quickly.

At his best, Mertesacker is an imperious organiser at the heart of the defence. At his very worst, his lack of speed can leave the Gunners exposed. 

This weekend, he will face the pace of Gabriel Agbonlahor and Andreas Weimann. It will be a significant test for the sedate Mertesacker. 

Mikel Arteta

Martin Meissner/Associated Press

After his disastrous display in Dortmund, many Arsenal fans are calling for Mikel Arteta to be dropped.

The reality is that his likely replacement, Mathieu Flamini, is no better. Having failed to sign the holding midfielder they needed in the summer, Arteta is the best Arsenal have got.

Nevertheless, he needs to drastically improve.

In Germany, he was simply overrun. Against the youthful legs of Fabian Delph and Tom Cleverley, Arteta will have to capitalise on his astute reading of the game to ensure he remains one step ahead.