Arsenal: Let’s hope Martin Keown has got it all wrong

Martin Keown has claimed that, psychologically, Mesut Ozil has already left Arsenal. While only time will tell, let’s hope he is completely and utterly wrong.

When Arsenal made the decision to keep hold of both Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez in the summer, even with their contracts expiring in the summer of 2018, they did so with the knowledge that there was a threat that not only could the pair leave at the end of the season with no compensation, but that they could perform during that season without any commitment or desire.

Related Story: Arsenal: Predicted FIFA 18 player ratings

Arsene Wenger, though, protested that both players would not become quiet and disinterested, claiming that they are men of character that deems them committed. However, the early signs are not especially positive, particularly from Ozil.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park

Martin Keown, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, stated that he feels that Ozil has psychologically left the club already. Keown believes that Ozil is testing Wenger more than any other player has, and claims that, unlike Sanchez, he is not mentally present with the goings on of the team:

"“I think he’s testing Wenger more than any other player has. I think it was Belarus the other week, he didn’t fancy going. He didn’t want to go. Suddenly he was injured again, he played nine minutes against West Bromwich Albion on the Monday, so how did he get injured there? I think in some departments he’s already left. Psychologically, mentally, he’s already left the football club. Maybe Wenger is now trying to do the best deal he can to get some compensation for him.”"

Now, I have no reason to agree or disagree with Keown’s remarks. I have no inside information on the subject; I certainly know far less about the inner working of a footballer’s psyche and the state of a dressing room during such turmoil and such testing times.

But what his statement does show is the horrifying state of the team if he is deemed correct. Ozil will not play with same creative influence as in recent seasons, Wenger will be forced to players like Alex Iwobi and Danny Welbeck, who, while competent and industrious, lack the cutting-edge quality of the German, and the Arsenal attack will be blunted significantly by his absence.

In making the decision to keep both Ozil and Alexis, Wenger committed himself to the thought that neither would grow weary with the club, even if they were thinking, dreaming, even, of an exit.

Next: Arsenal: 30 greatest players in history

Because, without having sought out any replacements, Arsenal are now reliant on Ozil and Sanchez to perform at their best. If their minds are elsewhere, that is an expectation that is difficult to meet.