Question. How is this Arsenal side different?

Answer. The playing style is still the same, but this year we've started off winning and that gives you massive confidence. The arrival of Özil has given a big boost to the team's quality of play. He's a special player.

Q. How exactly has he helped to increase the side's quality?

A. It doesn't matter if he scores. His stats for assists are amongst the highest in Europe, they're impressive. He's already proved to be a decisive player for this Arsenal side.

Q. Your team must be thanking Real Madrid for such a huge favour.

A. [laughs] No, I'm just happy to have him in my side and be able to enjoy playing alongside him. And he seems very happy too. He looks to have integrated well. He's a quiet guy, but he's good at English and Spanish. He's doing very well.

Q. What do people say about Mourinho in London?

A. In general, people have been very happy to see him return. Mou raises the level of the Premier League and he'll give this Chelsea side a boost. I think that this Premier title is going to be the hardest to win in recent years. The bar is set very high.