Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger: 'Mesut Ozil has always worked hard'

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has said that Mesut Ozil is proving that he can "fight" after starring in his side's 5-0 win over Huddersfield Town on Wednesday night.

Ozil contributed one goal and two assists as the Gunners made light work of their Yorkshire opponents at the Emirates Stadium, and the playmaker has received praise for his performance.

However, Wenger has suggested that there should never have been doubts about the German international's work-rate, insisting that the player understands the benefits of managing his time on the pitch.

The Frenchman is quoted by Sky Sports News as saying: "Nobody has to convince us he's a great football player. Everybody knows in the stadium he's a great football player, but at the moment as well he shows he can fight.

"Our job is to encourage people to fight, but I think he always covered the distances in games, but he's at an age where he's more mature and understands what is more important and what is less important.

"Everybody wants to be acknowledged for his quality, and the judgements are sometimes harsh in a footballer's job. But overall I believe the majority of people here love him, and always loved him."

Ozil - whose contract expires at the end of the season - has scored twice and set up five goals in his last five outings in the Premier League.