Ozil answers critics as Arsenal downs West Ham
Mesut Ozil fired back a response to his critics with a goal and an assist as Arsenal overcame a resilient West Ham 3-0 at Emirates Stadium in the Premier League.
Germany international Ozil - making his 150th Arsenal appearance - has come under fire for lacklustre displays this season and the ire aimed in his direction increased during a run the Gunners took into Thursday's (AEST) game that had seen them win just three times in their last 10 matches in all competitions.
Ongoing speculation around the 28-year-old's future in north London has added to the animosity he has been subjected to, but his first goal of 2017 put Arsene Wenger's side on the path to ending a three-match winless run in the top flight.
Ozil then set up Theo Walcott to angle in the second, capping a performance that may appease sections of the support unhappy with him and Wenger.
The Frenchman was the target of a protest in which fans refused to take their seats until the 13th minute - a reference to the number of years they have gone without a Premier League title. However, the empty spaces continually filled from kick-off.
Substitute Olivier Giroud capped the win with an exquisite finish, with Arsenal now fifth after Manchester United's draw with Everton on Wednesday, providing a much-needed boost to its UEFA Champions League ambitions as the seasons enters its final stretched.
For Slaven Bilic, however, a fifth successive defeat and seventh winless match provides further concern after he was given the vote of confidence this week.