• Premier League

Ozil: We'll KO United from title race

Mesut Ozil has transformed Arsenal since his £42.5 million move from Real Madrid © PA Photos

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Mesut Ozil insists Arsenal will KO Manchester United from the title race with victory at Old Trafford - because the pressure is all on David Moyes' side.

Arsenal are top of the league over second-placed Liverpool by two points, though have a game in hand at United - who they lead by eight points - in today's 4pm kick-off.

Earlier this week Wayne Rooney, who has scored more goals against the Gunners than any team in his career with 10, taunted Arsenal by pointing out how they have faded away in the title race over recent years.

But Ozil fired back at Rooney by insisting Arsenal will not run out of steam.

"We are going to Old Trafford to have fun - and that is why we are going to win," said Ozil.

"I don't think we have to prove anything to Wayne or anyone else. We know the quality we have and we want to be successful playing our own way.

"The plan is not to go to United and settle for a draw. If we are going to achieve the target of our coach, then we go to win.

"Of course it's going to be difficult. United are a high-quality team. But I'm sure they also respect us because we can beat anyone, home or away."

Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes his current crop of young stars can emulate the success achieved by United's famous 'Class of '92'.

The likes of Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott, Kieran Gibbs and Wojciech Szczęsny all came through the ranks at Arsenal, while Aaron Ramsey and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also have their peak years ahead of them.

"United had an exceptional group together - the two Neville brothers, David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, when you have six or seven who can play at that level, they are ready to fight for their club," said Wenger.

"I believe the sense of belonging is important, and it has certainly been a bit neglected in the modern game, but it is part of the culture of the club, that the club means something to you. That is important for the fans as well.

"I believe in some difficult periods of the season or of a player's career, that feeling that he belongs there is very important and that can only be built with players growing up together.

"We have today in the team Wojciech, who for me is an Arsenal player because he came here at 15 and has grown up here, Wilshere was 10 when he started, there is something more there that is where you can build on. That was always my target."

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