Mathieu Flamini says Mesut Ozil could be missing link for Arsenal

Mesut Ozil: His quality could help Arsenal end trophy drought, says Flamini

Mathieu Flamini believes Arsenal's record signing Mesut Ozil could make all the difference as the club try to end a barren spell without winning a trophy.
Ozil's impressive start to his Arsenal career continued on Sunday as the playmaker had a hand in all three Arsenal goals in the victory against Stoke.

Despite joining the club in late August, Ozil already has the most assists in the Premier League this season and Flamini believes the German's quality can help the club land their first piece of silverware since 2005.

"Eight years without winning anything is not easy for anyone, for the fans, for the players, for the club or the coach, but the quality is here. Maybe it was missing just a few things," said Flamini.

"This year it was important that nobody left and then we got new players with a lot of quality and what is most important is the team spirit.

"We knew Mesut was a big player - he proved it at Madrid. For us, it is a great boost because he is a great player and knows how to make the difference.

"He has great spirit, he is working hard for the team and can make the difference at any moment."

Arsenal now sit at the top of the Premier League after putting an opening-day defeat to Aston Villa behind them to take maximum points from their last four games.

Sunday's victory over Stoke was their seventh straight win in all competitions and Flamini believes team spirit will be key if Arsenal are to continue their recent form and end the season on a high.

He said: "Team spirit makes the difference because the Premier League is not a sprint, it is a marathon. This season is going to be long, we are going to need everyone."