Arsene Wenger is convinced Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey will have a key role to play as Arsenal look to overcome the odds and halt Manchester City’s phenomenal run of form at the Etihad.
Arsenal have travelled to Manchester as heavy underdogs against the unbeaten league leaders, who would open up a 12 point gap on the Gunners with victory this afternoon.
Though much of the focus ahead of the match has been on Alexis Sanchez, who saw his dreams of a move to City collapse on deadline day in August, but Wenger can call on an impressive cadre of attackers to try and outgun Pep Guardiola’s formidable frontline.
Ozil’s critics have long pointed to his failure to bend Arsenal’s most significant games to his will but Wenger believes the playmaker is in the right state to have a major impact against City.
“I would say that Ozil at the moment is in very good shape physically,” said Wenger.
“People speak at the moment only about Sanchez, but for us his performance on Sunday will be important as well.
“He contributes a lot to the way we play. As well he can be an asset every time we attack because he’s a guy who can create chances.
“I think he will relish the game. Every big player wants to play big games like this.”
Ozil is not the only Arsenal star in a rich vein of form, with Ramsey having scored in his last two games.
The Wales international has struggled to fulfil the promise he showed in a magnificent run of form in the first half of the 2013-14 season but his three goals in nine games this season suggests he is on his way back to his best.
“I think he is calmer in the final third,” Wenger said of Ramsey. “He’s more mature. He’s 27 now [sic, he turns 27 on December 26], the best age for a midfielder.”