Ozil: Arsenal ‘screwed up’ title race

Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil has said that the Gunners have only themselves to blame for their faltering title bid.

Arsene Wenger's side currently sit in third spot on the Premier League standings, 11 points behind leaders Leicester City who have a game in hand. This after the north London outfit had topped the table heading into 2016 and looked favourites to take the title.

However, just four league wins since the turn of the year has seen their title challenge run off course. And, Ozil believes that they can't blame outside factors for the predicament they find themselves in.

"Looking at our season so far, we have to be honest and admit that we screwed up ourselves," he said.

"We did not play to our potential in the games against the so-called smaller teams. You immediately get punished for that in the Premier League.

"But we still have a chance of winning the title. We have to hope Leicester and Tottenham slip up and then make the most of it."

Reports in the Spanish press have suggested that Ozil will leave Arsenal if Wenger remains at the helm beyond the current season, but the Germany international has once again thrown his support behind the Frenchman.

"I would be delighted for Wenger if we win the title," said the 27-year-old.

"He played a major role in my decision to join Arsenal. He was desperate to sign me. Everybody knows he is an extraordinary manager. He is always hungry for success, has a lot of experience and always takes his time for the players. He helps players develop."

Next, on the agenda for the Gunners is a league clash with Watford on Saturday.