OZ IS A Wenger: Star

ARSENE WENGER insists Mesut Ozil is still Arsenal’s man for the big occasion.

there is much speculation he could join Manchester United – either in a cut-price January move or for nothing next summer.

It is almost identical to Alexis Sanchez’s current situation – the only difference being the Chile star is a target for City.

That has inevitably led to the pre-match focus being on how hitman Sanchez will perform at The Etihad.

And that could play right into Arsenal’s hands, according to Wenger, with the threat of fast-improving Ozil potentially going under the radar. The Frenchman added: “People speak only about Sanchez but, for us, Ozil’s performance will be very important.

“He can contribute to the way we play and be an asset every time we go forward because he’s a guy who always creates chances.”

If Sanchez and Ozil are key to Arsenal’s hopes of securing only their second away victory of the league campaign, much the same applies to Aaron Ramsey.

The Wales midfielder has arguably been the Gunners’ most consistent performer since scoring their winner in the FA Cup final last May.

And Wenger has been impressed, revealing that Ramsey can now be trusted, whether in attack or defence.

“I think he is calmer in the final third. Sometimes he rushed his decisions and his execution,’’ said The Emirates chief.

“You look at his goal against Swansea last week. A few years ago he would not have taken that in the same composed way.

“And he’s also much more reliable tactically and defensively.

“He’s more mature. He is 27, the perfect age for a central midfielder. He’s a big player for us.’’

Whether Arsenal can become the first this season to topple City, who have taken 28 points from a possible 30, remains to be seen. But if conceding the