As irremediable as Arsenal's troubles seemed this season, victory over AC Milan at the San Siro has quietened the unrest in north London.

Defeats to Tottenham, Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester City twice had seen Arsene Wenger's neck on the chopping block and criticism arrive in droves. A Europa League win doesn't exactly solve the problems - but it's bided time for Wenger if nothing else.

After all, taking two unanswered away goals back to the Emirates Stadium will inspire confidence that Champions League qualification is still possible. 

There were plenty of positives to retrieve from Lombardy and perhaps most notably, the performance of Mesut Ozil.

Many Arsenal fans have criticised the German's showings since re-newing his contract at the club and Alan Shearer rinsed him for his effort in the Brighton defeat.

Martin Keown reckons Arsenal's next manager should sell Ozil

Furthermore, a certain Martin Keown jumped aboard with criticism of his own before the AC Milan-Arsenal clash in a punditry outing for BT Sport.

The ex-Arsenal man damningly recommended: "The next manager coming in might want to sell Ozil.

"I’m not sure who would buy him. He’s not the sort of player who would show enough grit and determination, for me."

Thankfully he did save things a little by noting: "Yes, he’s the icing on the cake, he’s a quality player," but the damage was done and Ozil had the perfect response with his performance.

Ozil responds by bossing the midfield v AC Milan

Ozil provided both assists in the victory, showing great vision for both, and generally dictated the midfield to make a mockery of Keown's pre-match comments. Take a look at his highlights below:

Yeh, so about that next manager, Martin...

Of course, Keown knows as well as every Arsenal fan that Ozil is prone to the occasion off-day but suggesting the German should be sold is rather extreme and looks embarrassing up against his Milan showing.

Moreover, Ozil had a verbal response for the pundit as well as skilful one on the pitch. 

"I’m really pleased that we’ve come here and got the win. We started well and scored a couple of goals in the first-half," the 29-year-old remakes.

"A lot of people are going to talk [about Arsenal’s recent form], it’s their job, it’s just important for us to keep focused, to improve and work hard."

And based on last night at least, his worth ethic and improvement was abundantly clear. 

Do you think Arsenal will go all the way in the Europa League? Have your say in the comments section below.