Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil has praised the form of his midfield teammates after they helped him to improve his game this season.

The German international has scored twice and created nine assists in 14 appearances across all competitions, and he singled out Santi Cazorla and Francis Coquelin for helping free him up to play further forward.

However, Ozil also feels the entire team deserve praise for their form so far this season, which currently sees Arsenal second in the Premier League standings on goal difference.

The 27-year-old told the club's website: I know that Santi [Cazorla] is a very technically-gifted player, just as Francis [Coquelin] is, we call Francis 'the pitbull' because he's very aggressive and always gives 100 per cent.

"I'm pleased to be able to have those players behind me. But you need to praise the whole team.

"We fight for each other and are like a small family. You can sense that on the pitch. It shows that we are hungry for success and that's why I want to praise the whole team."

The former Real Madrid man also feels that he has benefited from his first full pre-season since joining Arsenal from the Spanish giants in 2013.

The midfielder added: "Last season, I was out with my knee injury for a few months, this year I feel fit. I have no injuries and can perform well in games. At the moment, things are going really well."

Arsenal host North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow afternoon.