I don't think he tries enough ALL THE TIME. In certain games he does. His finishing leaves a lot to be desired, his first touch is poor and he's offside frequently. I've made my opinion of him clear in the past and present.
I fully accept there are those that rate him quite highly and are defensive of him for that reason and belive he is the best we have. What I can't deal with is the belief that the people that either don't like or don't rate him only feel this way because of his Arsenal connection. And the belief that what are lucky to have him and shouldn't even bother trying to upgrade.
I know, on his day he can be brilliant, but he just has too many days like today where he phones it in and is completely useless. I realise every professional has their off days, but when he's bad, he takes it to another level. I've said it before and I'll say it again, there must be a reason why so many clubs keep getting rid of him, or are at least not exactly desperate to keep hold of him.