In Arsenal’s last match Mesut Özil stole the show, running the game from start to finish.

The German worked tirelessly, created a number of openings, and laid on the opening goal, which was tucked away by Olivier Giroud.

Meanwhile Alexis Sánchez – still not quite at full fitness – seemed to be further developing his understanding with the German playmaker. Ultimately it was Alexis who had a massive hand in Arsenal’s winner against Crystal Palace, winning a ball he had no right to win before his header was diverted in by Palace defender Damien Delaney.

Both players will have to be at their very best for Arsenal to compete for major honours this season, and Arsène Wenger has said Özil is totally committed to the club amid emerging transfer rumours.

Earlier in the summer Özil was linked with a move to Italian champions Juventus, and now recent days have seen Besiktas claim that they have held talks with the midfielder’s representatives.

From the German to the Chilean, Arsenal’s other star man is almost at full fitness according to the manager.

Alexis missed all of pre-season after winning the Copa América with Chile this summer, only returning to training after the club won the Community Shield. He was still included in the squad to face West Ham just four days after he had started training and came off the bench, before starting at Crystal Palace last weekend.

The Chilean was far from cool in front of goal but looked lively at Selhurst Park, and Wenger says he’s now back at his best, mentally and physically rested from a challenging summer.

Both players scored in last season’s defeat of Liverpool and will be more than a handful for any club if, and when, they hit top form. Hopefully Brendan Rodgers and his team have to cope with that on Monday.