Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta has played down talks linking the current squad with the invincibles of 2003/2004, but the Spaniard admits that Mesut Ozil does take the club to a whole new level.
The Gunners are in red-hot form recently, winning every game since their opening day defeat to Aston Villa and their run was extended on Tuesday night after they beat Napoli 2-0 in the Champions League.
There is no question that Arsenal’s best squad came back in 2003, with the likes of Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Robert Pires, Patrick Vieira and so many, many more, but some people are suggesting that the current crop at Arsenal, could be just as good.
However, their vice-captain has quickly dismissed those links and has admitted that they are not that good…yet.
“I don’t think we are at that level yet, but competition makes everyone work harder so it is a great thing because it raises the level,” said Arteta. “If you don’t play well for one or two games, then you can be dropped.
“We have players to come back like Santi (Cazorla) and Abou Diaby and that’s the way we want it. When it is really tough, everyone is at 100 per cent and that makes a big difference.”
Arteta then spoke about Ozil and believes the signing showed intent from the club.
“It was a great message from the club because everyone was really expecting a top, top player, probably a striker rather than a number 10, but in the end we got an amazing player and that gave a lift to everyone, not only us but you can see the people are excited again to come and watch and that makes a big difference,” he said.
“A player like Ozil gives you a step forward quality-wise and gives you another player on the pitch who can decide the game for you.
“He proved again that he is able to do it and that’s always great. The more players you have like that, the better chance you have.”
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
