Mesut Ozil can be Arsenal's star against Manchester City, insists manager Arsene Wenger... 'Big players relish big games like this'

  • Arsenal travel to the Etihad to face league-leaders Manchester City on Sunday 
  • Arsene Wenger said Mesut Ozil can have just a big an impact as Alexis Sanchez
  • Wenger also hailed the form and maturity shown by midfielder Aaron Ramsey
  • Danny Welbeck has returned to training after recovering from a hamstring injury 

Arsene Wenger will look beyond the talismanic qualities of Alexis Sanchez as Arsenal attempt to halt the Manchester City juggernaut on Sunday.

With all eyes on the Chilean after his summer move to City fell through, Wenger expects Mesut Ozil, out of contract like Sanchez in the summer, and Aaron Ramsey to rise to the occasion to prove they can match City’s midfield.

While Sanchez is seemingly destined for City next year, Ozil’s future remains in doubt, but Wenger expects the German to relish Sunday’s challenge.

Arsene Wenger expects Mesut Ozil to relish the challenge of taking on Manchester 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.’

Wenger said midfielder Aaron Ramsey has been 'calmer in the final third' in recent weeks 

Wenger said midfielder Aaron Ramsey has been 'calmer in the final third' in recent weeks 

And Wenger also expects Ramsey’s good form to continue, saying that the Welshman is growing into being one of Arsenal’s key men. 

‘I think he is calmer in the final third. He’s more mature. He’s 27 now, the best age for a midfielder.’

Wenger has been boosted by striker Danny Welbeck’s return to full training after a hamstring injury.