Currently level with Manchester City on points, Arsenal are second in the Premier League by virtue of goal difference.

A strong start to the season, and three of our players have been recognised by Paul Doyle of the Guardian, who has named Héctor Bellerín, Nacho Monreal and Mesut Özil in his team of the season so far.

Leicester City have two players (Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy) in the XI, Manchester United have David De Gea and Chris Smalling and Southampton new-boy Virgil van Dijk completes the defensive selections with teammate Graziano Pellè up front.

Manchester City (Fernandiho) and West Ham United (Dimitri Payet) each have one player in the side.

Of Bellerín, Doyle says:

“Bellerín has gone on not only to prove he can cut it in the Premier League but that he is a cut above most other defenders. And he contributes plenty in attack, too, thanks to blinding speed and smart choices.”

He also highlights the defender’s ability to come out on top against different types of wingers. Bellerín has played in 10 of our Premier League games so far this season, and we’ve won eight of them. His rise seems to go on and on, much to the delight of everyone at the Emirates Stadium.

Also in the defence is Nacho Monreal, arguably the most reliable and consistent defender in the entire country, with with Doyle appreciating “the quiet efficiency with which Monreal has secured the position at Arsenal.

“He has played every minute of every league game so far this season and has seemed tougher, more confident and more reliable than ever.”

Probably one of the most under-appreciated players in England, certainly in the Arsenal squad, Monreal has been superb.

That brings us to Mesut Özil, Doyle’s final choice from north London:

“He is back. And he may be better than ever. He says bulking up has helped withstand attempts to bash him off his stride. What is clear is that he is now a much more regular influence on matches, with his vision and precision integral to Arsenal.”

There was more, but what more can truly be said? Mesut Özil is carrying us to results for the time being, and is lighting the Premier League up along the way.

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Paul Doyle’s Guardian team of the Premier League season so far, including three Arsenal players (Guardian).