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Özil is challenged by Napoli's Valon Behrami. Matt Dunham/AP/Press Association Images

'Everything was in there' - Wenger raves about Özil's match-winning display

The Arsenal boss was glad to see his record signing score a first goal for the club and set up another in their win over Napoli.

ARSENE WENGER HEAPED praise on Mesut Özil’s all-action display in Arsenal’s 2-0 Champions League victory over Napoli.

The Germany international midfielder scored his first goal for the club since his deadline-day move from Real Madrid when he side-footed home superbly from Aaron Ramsey’s cross with just eight minutes gone.

Özil, Arsenal’s record signing, then turned provider as his cut back allowed Olivier Giroud to tap home seven minutes later to ensure Wenger celebrated 17 years in charge of the club in style.

Arsenal were more conservative in their approach in the second half against Rafael Benitez’s side as the Premier League leaders looked to retain their comfortable advantage.

Wenger was particularly glowing in his appraisal of Ozil’s performance after the game, as he told Sky Sports: ”(In the) first half he was absolutely amazing.

“Everything was in there. Collective skill, individual skill, finishing. All that you dream to see in the stand when you come to see football.

It’s good (for Ozil to get his first goal). When you take too long to score it is on your mind but he got rid of that.”

Arsenal now top Group F after defeating Marseille 2-1 in their opening fixture.

Wenger believes the club’s next two fixtures in the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund are crucial to their progress to the round of 16.

“We can not start any better,” he continued. “The next two will be the deciders.

“We want to come back after the international break and play like that against Dortmund.”

Watch Özil’s individual highlights below:

YouTube credit: football24/7

(h/t: 101GreatGoals)

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    Mute Kevin MJ O Brien
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    Oct 2nd 2013, 9:40 AM

    Ozil is better than Bale. Serious bad business by Madtid.

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    Mute P O Leary
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    Oct 2nd 2013, 10:59 AM

    I agree.

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    Mute Gerard Jennings
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    Oct 2nd 2013, 2:44 PM

    We know, but he won’t sell as many shirts!

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    Mute Gnik
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    Oct 2nd 2013, 9:34 AM

    As an Aresnal fan it’s hard not to get excited at the moment, but as an Arsenal fan I’m also bracing myself for it all to blow up in our faces.

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    Mute Paddy
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    Oct 2nd 2013, 2:57 PM

    Haha I know yeah…that bit of pessimism is always lurking. We do look like a transformed side this year, I’ve far more confidence than the last few years. I reckon ozil is far better than Bale…

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    Mute Robert O'Sullivan
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    Oct 2nd 2013, 9:37 AM

    Only 8 years late signing a world class player……… but better late than never I suppose!!!!

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    Mute Ash
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    Oct 2nd 2013, 11:08 PM

    Very bitter comments about Bale from Arsenal fans… Show the lad a bit of respect. You’d swear he was the most dirt rubbish piece of crap player to ever kick a ball… Bitter arsenal fans who just don’t like him. He plays with Ronaldo now and is far more likely to find success in Spain. Ozil will know what it’s like to be Bale soon enough coz his new job is to Carry Arsenal for the next five years.

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    Mute Canvas Photos
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    Oct 2nd 2013, 7:24 PM

    Arsenal start off well most years I hope it continues but it usually all goes wrong in march/April

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