Wenger Believes Mesut Ozil Has Revatilise Arsenal

LONDON (AFP) – Arsene Wenger believes his
club record swoop for Mesut Ozil has
revitalised Arsenal after the Germany
midfielder inspired a 2-0 win over Napoli
with his first goal for the Gunners.
Wenger splashed out £42.5 million ($
68.9million) to lure Ozil from Real Madrid
on transfer deadline day and the
midfielder’s arrival in north London has
coincided with a remarkable revival in
Arsenal’s fortunes.
An opening day defeat against Aston Villa
looked set to spark unrest among unhappy
Gunners fans, but Wenger has managed to
get Arsenal back on track in emphatic
fashion and he gives much of the credit to
Ozil.Although they were already improving
before his arrival, Ozil’s presence has given
real belief to both his team-mates and
supporters frustrated by Arsenal’s eight-
year trophy drought.
Arsenal have won five of their six matches
since Ozil’s debut at Sunderland last month
and Wenger agreed that Tuesday’s
impressive Champions League win over
Napoli was their most dynamic display in
recent memory.
“It was an outstanding first half for Ozil,
with individual skill, finishing and the final
ball. I just sat there and enjoyed it,” Wenger
said.“I loved him in Madrid. I thought he was
great there, we are just lucky to have got
him.
“He enjoys playing and he has integrated
very quickly. He came at a period when we
are doing well and that made it easier.
“We got so much stick at the start of the
season and now I am a bit cautious to get
excited, but of course he gave a lift to
everyone around the club and belief as
well. Belief is part of success.”
Ozil opened the scoring in the eighth
minute with a superb finish that
showcased his immaculate technique and
he then turned provider to set up Olivier
Giroud for the second goal seven minutes
later.That was enough to maintain Arsenal’s
100% start after two Group F fixtures but,
with last year’s runners-up Borussia
Dortmund next up in back to back fixtures,
Wenger isn’t getting carried away just yet.
“We play Dortmund now. The group looks
very tight and the key game is certainly us
against Dortmund here,” Wenger said.
“It will be difficult for us to go to Napoli as
well. It is still a big fight.
“We are here to win trophies and there is a
long way to go, but we have a good base.
We have belief and a good spirit.”
Wenger has enjoyed many high points
during his illustrious reign at Arsenal and
brushing aside one of the best teams in
Italy was a fitting way to mark the 17th
anniversary of his arrival at the club.
That Wenger regarded it as one of the best
first half displays he had seen during his
time at Arsenal said everything you need
to know about the quality of Ozil, Giroud,
Aaron Ramsey and company.
“Certainly at home the first half is one of
the best we have played for a long time,”
he said.“It was very enjoyable. It was a fantastic
first half played at great pace, with belief,
authority and great finishing. That is what
we want to see.”

While Wenger looks ahead with optimism,
Napoli boss Rafael Benitez knows his side
face a battle to qualify for the last 16.
Benitez’s side are unbeaten in Serie A, but
they were brutally exposed at the back by
Arsenal’s incisive passing and sorely lacked
a cutting edge without injured striker
Gonzalo Higuain.
“We knew Ozil was a good player, but a
good player in a good team is even harder
to cope with,” Benitez said.“You have a team like Arsenal with this
level and this quality sometimes they can
play well and it is hard to beat them.
“We have to play well in the next game
against Marseille. It’s a tough game and we
have to win to stay in the hunt to qualify.”

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