The 25-year-old midfielder has come under stern examination from fans and pundits alike since making a £42 million switch from Real Madrid in September 2013.
His showings for the Gunners this season had left the club’s supporters disappointed, but he responded well by netting a goal in the 3-0 victory over Aston Villa at the weekend.
And while he feels the criticism is somewhat unfair, he admits it’s something he has grown accustomed to, having experienced similar situations whilst on the books of Schalke, Werder Bremen and Real Madrid.
He told German news agency dpa: “I don’t play to prove anything to anybody, I play for Arsenal.
“I have the feeling that I am criticised more, that happened to me in the Bundesliga and also at Real Madrid.
“We have only just started the season and we have new players in key positions. The collective game, which is something I have a lot to do with, cannot then just work well from one day to the next.
“Just 10 weeks ago I was elected to the team of the season in England (via an internet poll). I was a world champion then.
“It was the summer break and after a few games of the new season everything is called into question again. This is strange, but I know what I can offer.”