Wednesday 4 June 2014 09:33, UK
Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal - and Mesut Ozil in particular - put in an 'outstanding' display as they overcame Napoli 2-0 in the UEFA Champions League.
The Gunners have been in fine form of late, collecting a 10th straight success in midweek, but knew they were coming up against a side that has made an unbeaten start to their Serie A campaign.
Bursting out of the blocks was essential, and Arsenal netted twice inside an almost faultless opening 15 minutes through Ozil and Olivier Giroud to take the game away from Napoli.
Wenger admitted afterwards that he could not have asked for any more from a side brimming with confidence at this moment in time.
Overall the first half was outstanding. Second half, we played more with more maturity, less drive going forward and a bit more caution. But overall it was an outstanding game.
Pressed on whether the Gunners' display had been their best of the season so far, the French coach told Sky Sports: "I think so, especially in the first half. I felt that we played at a good pace technically, were direct and finished with great goals.
"Overall the first half was outstanding. Second half, we played more with more maturity, less drive going forward and a bit more caution. But overall it was an outstanding game."
Wenger was also quick to pile praise on German playmaker Ozil, who netted his first goal since completing a big-money move from Real Madrid and laid on Arsenal's second.
He added: "First half, absolutely amazing, fantastic. Everything was in there - collective skill, individual skill, finishing, all that you dream to see.
"When it takes too long to score it is always on your mind a little bit, so he got rid of that.
"I loved him when he was at Madrid, I thought he was great there. We are lucky to have got him.
"He enjoys playing football and enjoys playing with his team-mates - he's integrated very quickly."
Arsenal now boast the only 100 per cent record in Group F, but Wenger admits they cannot afford to rest on their laurels as they prepare for a double-header against last season's beaten finalists Borussia Dortmund.
Asked for his assessment of the European campaign so far, he said: "Very good, we cannot start better.
"Of course the next two will be deciders and that's why we want to come back after the international break and have another game like that against Dortmund."
