'Ozil got his head down and worked'

West Ham have probably had enough of Theo Walcott and Mesut Ozil.

The former has now scored six Premier League goals against the Hammers - more than he has against any other side.

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The latter has scored and assisted in the same top-flight game twice this season - home and away against West Ham.

So perhaps it’s no surprise that Ozil was back to his best during Wednesday night’s 3-0 win at Emirates Stadium. Walcott, for one, never doubted that the Germany star would deliver.

“I wouldn't just say the goals [helped his confidence], you could see it was slowly starting to come back,” he said.

“Goals always breed confidence in players but Mesut is a fantastic player. He has played for Real Madrid, he is a World Cup winner and has been through a lot of ups and downs so there is nothing he can't come back from.

“He has put his head down, worked hard in training and the rewards showed on Wednesday night, it’s as simple as that.”

Walcott himself is just two goals shy of his best ever season tally after netting his 19th of the campaign - and his second in consecutive games.

With Manchester City and Liverpool dropping points, a top-four finish suddenly looks more likely.

“Who knows, we have done it in the past,” said Walcott. “We have been in this situation before, although probably not as bad.

“It's the Premier League and [the unpredictability is] why it's the best league in the world. Who knows who is going to win each game? No one expected Liverpool to draw against Bournemouth, but that is the way it is and that is why we love and enjoy playing in this league. It is the best to be involved in.”