If Arsenal were going to have a chance in Munich on Wednesday, Mesut Ozil would have to buck a trend in his game and turn up on the big night. That was the basis for much of the analysis heading into last night's game at the Allianz Arena.
The loss of Laurent Koscielny shortly after half-time and the defensive shambles which following did not help but Ozil's anonymity throughout the game stood out. Once again, he had failed to influence the game in a fashion expected of a player of his abilities.
None of the post-match analysis was kind to either Arsenal or Ozil. Even in Germany, there was no softening of the criticism for the 28-year-old.
On ZDF, former German international keeper Oliver Khan was on punditry duty. Khan said that Arsenal players looked as though they no longer take Arsene Wenger seriously.
He also had some cutting criticism of Ozil.
Of course, Arsenal have their qualities, especially on the counter-attack, and they have good players like Ozil, but I haven't seen him. Maybe you saw him.
It's sad to see what Ozil is calling a performance, how passive he plays, a player of his genius and qualities - it's a shame.
