‘Consistency’ key for Ozil

Mesut Ozil must take criticism on the chin and achieve greater consistency to succeed at Arsenal next season, according to Per Mertesacker.

Playmaker Ozil returned from hamstring trouble to help the Gunners to a comfortable 3-0 Premier League win at Hull on Sunday.

The big-money Real Madrid summer signing has failed to sustain his early Emirates impact, but defender Mertesacker believes the 25-year-old can prove detractors wrong next term.

“It’s very important to understand how the differences are between the leagues,” Mertesacker said. “I think he came from La Liga and it’s quite different to play there.

“He has adapted well but there is more to come from him, and I think the second season will be much better from him, because he’s a fantastic player.

“He has shown some great skills but he needs to be more consistent, and that’s what makes the difference at the end.”

Midfielder Abou Diaby completed 45 minutes for Arsenal U21s in the defeat by Chelsea on Tuesday in what was his first action since suffering a cruciate ligament injury against Swansea in March 2013 and Arsenal hope he will feature before the end of the season.