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
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.
Most watched Sport videos
- Jude Bellingham tries to put Harry Kane off before his penalty
- Vunipola recalls the moment he was tasered twice by police
- The moment footy star sends AFL greats into hysterics
- Luke Davico at the Raiders V Bulldogs grand final in 1994
- Spurs boss speechless as Chelsea batter London rivals in 2-0 thriller
- Aston Villa's Unai Emery disappointed after 4-2 loss
- Stormzy shares a drone tour of his Merky FC HQ
- Phil Foden opens up on winning individual awards
- Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta: 'Everyone is fit and available'
- Jurgen Klopp attacks English football and 'overworked' Premier League
- Mets hot-dog hero gets kicked out of CitiField
- Pochettino praises sides performance in win against London rivals