Campbell: Arsenal’s Win Over City Is A Huge Step

Drawing comparisons with their 2-0 success over Bayern Munich in the Champions League, Arsenal were rewarded with two excellent goals from Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud.

Per Mertesacker believes Arsenal now have the confidence to win matches in different ways but insists they have yet to prove their Premier League title credentials.

“We have been top [at points in recent years] and I think football is pragmatic and nobody can predict what will happen in the next 21 games, so you want to go with the same attitude and spirit and earn the right to win games”.

“But it is a significant game because when you look at Manchester City and the quality they have on the pitch, we know at the end they will be there fighting for the championship”.

Given we have a little three-and-a-bit-day wait until the next Premier League action on Boxing Day whereby the Gunners will travel to Southampton, we’re taking this moment to reflect upon the Gunners’ five best goals so far this 2015/16 season. “Ozil is much more mature and much more keen to take on responsibility”, Wenger added.

“Overall we had quite a positive year, stabilised our defensive record and improved our record against the strongest teams, so it looks as if we’re on the right track”.

“Ozil had a chest infection this weekend and he was in bed, basically”, Wenger said. “He realises he can help us in every single game”. I’m a bit cautious because we lost three or four players recently.

Pellegrini then spoke about star striker Sergio Aguero, who returned to the team following a month-long injury lay-off, and hopes the Argentinian will be back to his best soon.

“After Sunderland we play at Leicester in the last game of the year, the final games of the first round of fixtures if you like, so we have a chance to cut the lead”, he is quoted as saying by The Guardian.

Opening goalscorer Walcott lavished praise on Ozil, who ended the game with another two assists. I believe it was very intense.

“In the second-half we took more risks and had options to at least get a draw”. Speaking about the busy festive period, Mertesacker said: “We need to find solutions”.