Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal are benefiting from his decision to hand extended summer breaks to his two superstar forwards Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez.
Former Barcelona winger Sanchez played a key role in ensuring Chile retained the Copa America back in June, while Ozil started every game for a German side which reach the semi-final stage of Euro 2016.
Both players were granted permission to return late to pre-season training and the pair have rewarded their manager’s faith with a series of devastating performances which have catapulted Arsenal back up the Premier League table, recovering from a start which saw them pick up just a solitary point from their opening two matches.
‘I gave Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez extra time to recover over the summer, and I believe that was the right decision.’ said Wenger ahead of Saturday’s game against Middlesbrough.
Sanchez has adjusted to the demands of a new central striking position in the absence of Olivier Giroud, scoring six goals in all competitions, the same total as Ozil who has hit a purple patch in front of goal and scored his first professional hat-trick in Wednesday’s 6-0 win over Ludogorets.
‘We are in touch (with Ozil) and that is our desire.’ said Wenger.
‘Ozil is 28 and is in the prime of his career. We want him to contribute to the club’s future.
“I believe he is in the right place.’
COMMENTS