Wenger talks up title chances and Ozil display after win over City
Arsene Wenger: Happy with victory over Manchester City
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has admitted he is confident of winning the Premier League after the Gunners’ impressive 2-1 win over Manchester City.
A smash-and-grab first-half performance was enough for Arsenal to overtake their opponents as favourites to claim the title come May.
Goals from Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud have ensured that the Gunners are now just two points off leaders Leicester.
And with many expecting Leicester to stumble, Wenger admits that Arsenal are in pole position to win their first title since 2004.
He told Sky Sports: “It is too early to talk about the title but we are up there. It gives us confidence. I believe we have a very strong spirit, there is life in the team.
“There is exceptional life in this team. Every win strengthens your belief and even more in a big game like that. We have something really special there.
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“We have good desire to improve and we earned the right to win in these games. You could see when the legs went they still kept going, that’s fantastic to see.”
Ozil was the Gunners’ ringmaster, setting up first-half goals for Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud and presenting Aaron Ramsey with a superb chance after the interval.
“Ozil had a chest infection this weekend and he was in bed, basically. He had only one training session,” Wenger said.
“For a guy who could not prepare well, he has done extremely well physically. I’m a bit cautious because we lost three or four players recently.”
In the past, Ozil has frustrated Arsenal fans for floating in and out of matches, but he was given a standing ovation when replaced against City. Wenger hailed his vision.
“In football you need one guy who gives the ball to the one who scores the goal,” the Frenchman said.
“In our team, most of the time, Ozil is this player. The guys who sees makes you win, and he is that.
“Ozil is much more mature now, much more keen to take responsibility. I believe he’s developed his physical attributes and commitment. You can see his desire to win. He plays to win the game.
“His talent is exceptional and he realise he can help us in every single game.”