Mikel Arteta says he is excited by Arsenal’s options in the No 10 position.
Santi Cazorla has been in superb form over the past two months, while Mesut Ozil impressed as an attacking playmaker during last Sunday’s FA Cup victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.
Arteta is pleased with Arsenal’s midfield depth and says the return of Ozil, Aaron Ramsey and Theo Walcott have provided the squad with real impetus at a crucial time.
Read Mikel's full captain's notes in the Aston Villa programme
“A consistent run has been hard to come by this season, but we feel that after some really positive results, and with players like Mesut, Aaron and Theo fully fit again, there is momentum on our side,” the captain told the official matchday programme.
“Having been without him for so long, it was great to see Mesut make his comeback against Stoke and then scoring against Brighton on Sunday. I think he is probably the best player in our squad at giving the final ball to the player up front.
“But then, it is also true that when Santi has played in the No 10 role recently he been fantastic - particularly in the win against Manchester City.
“When he was moved centrally a few months ago, his form increased by 100 per cent. He likes to get involved in the game, he has a good range of passing and he creates opportunities - and his work rate is very important as well.
“We saw that at the Etihad, where he was chasing back, winning the ball and retaining possession under pressure in tight areas. That is very important in big games.”
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Theo Walcott and Mesut Ozil
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