Wenger: I got the whole package with Cech

Arsenal suffered at the hands of Barcelona in the last 16 stage of the Champions League in the 2010/11 season, when they were narrowly beaten 4-3 on aggregate.

“That is what Mesut is about”.

“You nearly didn’t believe it. When he arrived the players were buzzing and the fans were buzzing and I think that gave us all a massive lift”. But he is also about, and people forget this many times, in his way [he is] an exceptional fighter.

‘Anything is possible this season because Arsenal have played well this season and are doing well. – Manchester City have lost 22 Premier League games against Arsenal – their joint most defeats to any opponent along with Chelsea.

The goalkeeper has been impressive since joining from Chelsea in the summer. You watch how many times he’s in the box compared to what he did before.

The Gunners host City on Monday night and Wenger believes Ozil could play a key role in helping his side take all three points against their title rivals. “Not only for English football, it’s good for everybody in football all over the world to see teams who are not on the biggest budget at the start, that they can compete as well”.

Arsenal could be five points off the top of the Premier league by Monday, with league-leaders Leicester City taking on Everton on Saturday.

Nevertheless, forward Raheem Sterling insists finishing top of the pile domestically is the priority for the 2011-12 and 2013-14 Premier League champions, who were last-gasp 2-1 winners against Swansea City in their previous fixture.

“When you play Barcelona or Bayern Munich you know it’s very hard and is going to be a very tough game”, Pires said.

“I think it is a good moment but we must improve if we want to continue being involved in the competitions and win silverware this season”.