Mesut Özil has certainly grown accustom to winning throughout his career thus far and believes that the strong belief in the dressing room will enable Arsenal to “achieve a lot” in the foreseeable future.
The Gunners travel to Anfield in an impressive run of form, winning six games of the last seven, creating a slender two point gap at the summit of the Premier League table. Özil believes it is not just the recent run of form that gives the team a strong belief to achieve, results against direct rivals underline the intent of the squad this season. With impressive results against Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Manchester City so far this season it is understandable as to why there is a strong belief silverware will be added to the collection for a third successive season.
The World Cup winner spoke to Arsenal Player ahead of Wednesday night’s game and claimed that winning against ‘bigger teams’ gives everyone confidence.
When you win against big teams – and win convincingly – it gives the whole team confidence.
But when you look at this season, we’re on a good path.
The self-belief is there, we have developed ourselves and this year we can really achieve a lot. The team know that. We believe in ourselves and you sense that on the pitch.
We know we can beat Liverpool and we also know that they will give their best against us, with Jurgen Klopp who will prepare them perfectly.
But our aim is to play our game and get the three points – that’s why we’re travelling there.
Arguably, no one personifies the transition in self-confidence more than the German midfielder. Özil endured some tough spells at the club when he first arrived and a large volume of the media began to question his work ethic, credentials and worth. Özil is currently five assists from breaking the all-time record in a Premier League season, with 18 games left to play.
Ironically, the calls of ‘Özil disappears in big games’ have disappeared during Özil’s ‘big’ games. More recently, the German was compared to an Arsenal great- Dennis Bergkamp. Özil oozes self-confidence now, and it is there for all to see.
Since taking over at Liverpool, Klopp has set his sides up well against the so-called big teams. Impressive results against Manchester City, Chelsea and a draw against Tottenham Hotspur suggests despite injury worries, Liverpool will try to unsettle Arsenal from the off.
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