Mesut Ozil was "let down" by his Arsenal team-mates during the 5-1 defeat by Bayern Munich, according to Oliver Bierhoff.
The Gunners were humbled in Munich after a second-half collapse, meaning they have a huge task to overcome in their Champions league last-16 second leg at the Emirates next week.
And Bierhoff, the general manager of the German national team, believes Ozil was singled out after the defeat and did not receive the support he needed.
He told SportBild: "If I look at Ozil, who was singled out following the 5-1 loss to Bayern, in that match there was not much support for a player like Mesut, who lives on his footballing qualities.
"The team let him down a bit."
Ozil was criticised for his part in the heavy defeat, but several of the 28-year-old's German team-mates have come out in defence of him recently.
In the lead up to the first leg last month, Bayern's Mats Hummels backed Ozil after hearing that the German could be dropped for the tie.
"It's a surprise to hear that Mesut is doubtful to play because to me he's a world-class player. Every offensive player has his good and bad moments.
"You can't just project it on one player. You can't say that any one offensive player always delivers in every big game."
Boateng, in an interview with beIN Sports, added: "He is world class. Every player has a period where it's not everything goes well.
"He knows this by himself and he will make everything to play good for his team. He's one of the best players in the world.
"I love to play with him. He's always trying, he creates chances, he's the best passing player I ever saw."