It was meant to be a manager sticking up for his under-fire star player.

However, in defending his much criticised playmaker, Arsene Wenger has revealed that he knows there is one area where Mesut Ozil really struggles.

Body language.

Take a look at the clip above and you will see the Arsenal manager responding to the criticism Ozil has faced for his perceived lack of effort in the 2-1 defeats at both Everton and Manchester City.

"Next time, gaffer, can you just say that I'm playing well and leave it at that?" (
Image:
David Price)

“He has to do his job like everybody else and usually he does it well," says Wenger. "His main strength is when we have the ball.

“He works much harder than people think and his body language sometimes goes against him. He does his part very well.”

So, while Wenger is happy with the German's work rate, apparently even HE thinks Ozil's body language is an issue. A quick look at some poses Ozil pulled at Goodison Park and The Etihad might explain why…

1. The enthusiast
"Well, we've buggered this up, haven't we?" (
Image:
Getty)

2. The team player
"I don't care how you do it… just win more tackles and give me the ball more often!" (
Image:
Getty)

3. The believer
"Not a chance are we going to win the league with this lot. Not a chance in hell" (
Image:
Getty)

4. The grafter
"Right… foot on ball. Slow it down. Look for a through ball. Stand back and admire the brilliance of my pass. Simple" (
Image:
Arsenal FC via Getty)

5. The motivator
"We've lost, lads. It's over. Barely worth kicking off, to be honest" (
Image:
Arsenal FC via Getty)

6. The passionate warrior
*sigh* (
Image:
Arsenal FC via Getty)

7. The fighter
"Please don't punch me in the face, please don't punch me in the face, please don't punch me in the face, please don't punch me in the face, please don't punch me in the face…" (
Image:
Getty Images)