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Arsenal trio Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Shokdran Mustafi must improve, says Jens Lehmann

Alexis Sanchez
Image: Alexis Sanchez has often appeared dejected on the pitch this season

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann believes Alexis Sanchez cannot be regarded as a big player as long as he continues "sulking".

Sanchez has cut a forlorn figure, visibly demonstrating his frustration at times during a difficult campaign, which has seen the Gunners fall away from the title race and exit the Champions League at the last-16 stage for the seventh year in succession.

Lehmann has also questioned the desire of Germany compatriot Mesut Ozil, who has endured criticism for failing to consistently affect Arsenal's games against the so-called bigger teams this season.

Mesut Ozil's performance in Arsenal's defeat at Manchester City was criticised by some supporters
Image: Mesut Ozil has come under fire for a series of underwhelming performances this term

Two-time UEFA Goalkeeper of the Year Lehmann has also been left underwhelmed by the performances of defender Shokdran Mustafi, who joined Arsenal in a £35m deal from Valencia last summer.

"They talk about Sanchez being a big player but if you are sulking, you can't be a big player," Lehmann told The Sun.

Jens Lehmann
Image: Jens Lehmann played 200 games for Arsenal and helped the club reach the 2006 Champions League final

"You must be a big player mentally, not just be good at dribbling.

"There's always a question with Ozil - how much can he contribute when it gets tough?

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Arsenal's Laurent Koscielny (left), Arsenal's Shkodran Mustafi (centre) and Arsenal's Nacho Monreal (right) appear dejected after Chelsea's Marcos Alonso (
Image: Shkodran Mustafi (L) and Nacho Monreal exchange views during last month's 3-1 loss at Chelsea

"It's not Mustafi's fault someone has paid £35m for him. If someone buys me for £35m, the next day I'm not a better player.

"He is giving everything. But sometimes the team concede five, so he has to ask himself if it's good enough?"

WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - MARCH 18:  Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal looks dejected during the Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Arsen
Image: Wenger has yet to confirm whether he will extend his stay as Arsenal manager beyond the end of this season

Arsenal's suffered their fourth defeat in five Premier League matches, losing 3-1 at West Brom last weekend, leaving them sixth in the table, level on points with seventh-placed Everton.

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