Arsène Wenger says he never questioned Mesut Özil and Alexis Sanchez’s commitment to Arsenal, and Sunday’s win over Everton proved him right.

Özil and Alexis are in the final year of their respective contracts with the Gunners, and as a result there has been a lot of speculation in the media as to whether they’ll stay on after this season.

In addition, this has raised questions about their ability to stay focused and committed for the current campaign. Wenger told the media on Thursday that the pair had answered these questions.

“What people question is their commitment (Sanchez & Ozil) I didn’t and what happened on Sunday proved that even more.” When asked if  Ozil was back to his best, Wenger responded: “He’s in good physical shape, looks sharp and focused now so I think he is, yes.”

Although many argued that the duo’s lack of focus was evident in the early matches and three league losses already at this stage, arguably this was as much to do with fitness and injury issues.

Özil had been struggling with a knee inflammation, but now seems to have shaken that off, whilst Alexis repeatedly had to take time off after international matches.

Alexis missed the match against Watford, and the match against Stoke, and although the pair were both available for Liverpool, they clearly weren’t in peak physical condition, as evidenced for Sanchez’s withdrawal on 62 minutes.

Hopefully now they’re fit and healthy, it should be a different story, and a 5-2 win to kick that new period off is certainly encouraging.