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Red-hot Ozil scores first Arsenal goal in 2-0 victory over Napoli Arsenal secure their second consecutive group-stage victory at the UEFA Champions League after beating Napoli 2-0 on Tuesday
Mesut Ozil scored a stylish first goal since becoming Arsenal's most expensive player as the London club coasted to a 2-0 victory over Napoli in the Champions League on Tuesday. Ozil's strike and another from Olivier Giroud within the opening 15 minutes was the perfect way for Arsene Wenger to mark 17 years in charge of Arsenal. His team is now three points clear of both Napoli and last season's runners-up Borussian Dortmund at the top of one of the toughest groups in this season's competition, and is also leading the Premier League. Ozil sidefooted into the net eight minutes into the Group F match. Giroud brought the ball down with his chest on the right touchline and flicked it onto Aaron Ramsey, who delivered the cross that Ozil met. "It is everything that you dream to see when you sit in the stands watching football," Wenger said. "It's always on your mind a little bit (scoring your first goal) so he got rid of it." The Germany playmaker, who joined last month from Real Madrid for 50 million euros ($66 million), then turned provider to set up Giroud in the 15th minute. Napoli, which is second in Serie A, gave the ball away from a throw-in and Ozil seized possession and cut in before squaring for Giroud to sweep past goalkeeper Pepe Reina. "It's really good to play with (Ozil) and I have a good relationship on the pitch, a good understanding," Giroud said. "It's really easy to play with him." The cushion was enough, and although Arsenal couldn't find a way past Reina again, the second successive group stage win was never in doubt from that point. "The first half was outstanding," Wenger said. "The second half we played more with maturity but less drive going forward, more cautious ... the team had that dilemma, they played not to make a mistake." Defensively solid while still dangerous up front after the break, Arsenal swept to an impressive tenth win in a row since losing the Premier League opener to Aston Villa. With Arsenal now top of the league, expectations will rise that the club can win its first trophy since the 2005 FA Cup. "We got so much stick at the start of the season that I'm a bit cautious," Wenger said. "(Ozil) gave a great lift around the club and belief." (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at@AO_Sportsand on Facebook atAhramOnlineSports.) http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/82888.aspx
