adminLONDON. — Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil has apologised to the club’s fans following his penalty miss against Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
The Germany international had an early spot-kick saved by compatriot Manuel Neuer before Arsenal conceded two second-half goals in their Champions League soccer last-16 first-leg defeat at the Emirates.
And the 2-0 loss means the Gunners have it all to do when they travel to Munich for the return leg on March 11.
Arsenal endured a tiring night against the European champions after goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was sent off for clattering Arjen Robben in the box.
Ozil sent a message out on his official Facebook page, informing fans he was still upset the day after the match.
“The next morning doesn’t feel better either,” Ozil stated. “Sorry guys — it wasn’t planned that way.
“Outnumbered it was really hard to win against this team.”
Ozil has also reportedly begged Arsene Wenger to let him keep taking penalties — despite missing his last two spot-kicks.
Ozil was widely slammed after missing from the spot during the Gunners’ crucial Champions League last 16 first leg clash with Bayern Munich in midweek.
The German won the penalty with his clever footwork, but his poor effort wasted the perfect chance for Arsenal to go ahead against the Bundesliga giants.
It’s the second time he has missed from 12 yards for Arsenal this term, having also failed to convert one against Marseille, while Ozil also has a poor penalty record from his time at Real Madrid.
However, according to the Telegraph, he has asked Wenger to let him keep on taking them — citing the example of Bayern duo Arjen Robben and Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Both players missed key penalties in the 2012 Champions League final, before bouncing back to help their side win the competition a year later.
Wenger refused to criticise Ozil for his miss in midweek, while a host of team-mates include compatriots Lukas Podolski and Per Mertesacker have rallied around him.
German team-mate Mertesacker believes Ozil just needs time to properly settle.
“We have a lot of games here in England and everyone is tired, but it is not just up to Mesut,” said Mertesacker, who himself has developed into a consistent performer for Arsenal following an underwhelming start at the north London club after signing from Werder Bremen in August 2011.
“It is up to everybody to encourage and come back, during the game we all need to encourage each other.
“Mesut has played a lot of games and he is a massive player, we need him at his best. Game by game, he will come back stronger.” Podolski has also labelled the mounting criticism of Arsenal’s record signing Ozil as “unfair”.
Midfielder Ozil’s contribution came under heightened scrutiny after a tame penalty miss during Wednesday night’s Champions League defeat. — Sky Sports.
Online Reporter