League title contenders in 2015 have given
Arsenal added confidence ahead of Wednesday's
game at Liverpool.
Arsenal beat title rivals Manchester City 2-1 at
home in December, which came after a
convincing 3-0 victory at home against
Manchester United earlier in the season. They also
had two wins in Manchester in the second half of
last season, beating City in the league and United
in the FA Cup quarterfinals.
The Gunners are two points clear at the top the
table going into the Anfield tie, and Ozil says
there is a sense the team "can really achieve a
lot" this season.
"When you win against big teams -- and win
convincingly -- it gives the whole team
confidence," Ozil told the Arsenal website.
"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."
Arsenal had Petr Cech to thank after a 0-0 draw
at the Emirates against Liverpool in their first
meeting this season, when Brendan Rodgers was
still the Reds manager. With Jurgen Klopp having
taken over the team, Ozil knows his fellow
German will have Liverpool ready to give Arsenal a
tough challenge.
"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," Ozil said. "But our aim is to play our
game and get the three points -- that's why we're
travelling there."
Like Arsenal, Liverpool have a strong German
element as Ozil will also be up against Emre Can,
who is likely to start as Klopp deals with a number
of injuries -- particularly to centre-backs -- to his
squad.
"We played against Jurgen Klopp a few times in
the past when we played against Dortmund," Ozil
said.
"He is an excellent manager, and Emre Can
is an excellent player. I am looking forward to
them and it will definitely be an exciting game."
Ozil should be well rested for the game, having
been left out of the squad for Arsenal's 3-1 FA
Cup win over Sunderland on Saturday. The World
Cup winner has been one of the main reasons for
Arsenal's strong form this season, setting up 16
goals in the league to close in on former Gunner
Thierry Henry's record of 20 assists in a Premier
League campaign.
A win would further strengthen Arsenal's title
credentials, and with the top flight so
unpredictable this year, Ozil knows any slip-up
could prove costly.
"Every game is decisive for us, not just against
the big teams but against the smaller ones too,"
he added.
"We just need to get the points to
make sure we are right at the top at the end of
this season. We want to win this title and to do
that, you need to win many games and get many
points. That's our aim."
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