Saturday 25 November 2017 07:54, UK
Mesut Ozil's improved Arsenal performances are down to a more "determined attitude", says Arsene Wenger.
Ozil has not signed a new contract at the Emirates beyond his current deal, which expires in the summer, and was offered to Barcelona in the summer, according to Spanish football expert Guillem Balague.
The 28-year-old's commitment to Arsenal was criticised earlier this season, but Wenger believes the midfielder is winning back fans by showing a greater desire on the pitch.
"Mesut Ozil has worked hard and he's extremely fit at the moment, that's why you see him sharp, the quality of his technical aspect is always there but he has added a more determined attitude and that's what you want from him and great players," said Wenger.
"Football today is very demanding on the mental and the physical aspect. Mesut today is in a much better shape than he was before."
Asked whether Ozil is enjoying the more positive attention, Wenger added: "I'm convinced, yes.
"Every player wants to be a star. When they don't manage to do it they're all disappointed but the best way to achieve it is to work hard and show the quality of performance people expect from you."
Arsenal are level on points with Burnley heading into their Premier League clash at Turf Moor this weekend, with Sean Dyche's side one place behind the Gunners in seventh.
Wenger said: "Of course they are the surprise package because if you asked before the season 100 people 'will Burnley have 22 points at this stage in the season?' Ninety would have said no and the 10 others would have been Burnley supporters.
"They benefit from the fact that Sean Dyche has done an outstanding job. The fact as well that they have stability in the team. They know each other well, they played together for years now and that's why they are a difficult opponent for anybody.
"Look at what they've done against Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United - they do well everywhere. So it's a difficult game."
You know they've won games with 30, 25 per cent possession - that means they know what they want to do and are patient to have that killing instinct of a snake. They put you to that pace and suddenly they bite you.
Arsenal have won just one game on their travels in the Premier League this season, having lost 3-1 to Manchester City last time out, and Wenger admits another trip to the north-west could come back to bite them.
"Turf Moor is a very difficult place for everybody," he said. "I believe that their capacity to be efficient with restricted possession as well.
"You know they've won games with 30, 25 per cent possession - that means they know what they want to do and are patient to have that killing instinct of a snake.
"They put you to that pace and suddenly they bite you."
