Welshman relishing midfield role alongside "exceptional" Mesut Ozil
Sunday 20 December 2015 22:52, UK
Aaron Ramsey can see no reason why Arsenal cannot end their 11-year wait for the Premier League title this season.
As an air of inconsistency descends on the Premier League, the Gunners have emerged as strong contenders to end the season as champions of England.
They welcome third-placed Manchester City to the Emirates Stadium on Monday Night Football, with both sides looking to stay on the coat-tails of surprise leaders Leicester with a final victory before Christmas.
And, in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports News HQ, Ramsey is wary of the threat posed by City but is confident Arsenal are well equipped to prevail and launch an assault for silverware.
"We are playing a great team in Manchester City, who are also up there [at the top of the table]," he said.
"They have so many great players with the ability to create something from nothing so we will have to be aware of that.
"It's going to be a good game, these are the games you want to be involved in to test yourself. So hopefully we can come out on top on the night.
"We are taking every game as it comes and we are optimistic. We believe we have a great opportunity to win trophies and hopefully we can see that through."
Just a point separates Arsenal in second to City in third heading into Monday's game.
The Gunners have weathered a potentially damaging injury crisis through November and December and now find themselves well placed in the league and through to the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Ramsey's deployment in midfield has made light of the absence of lynchpin Francis Coquelin and the Welshman is savouring playing in his favoured position, adding: "I have really enjoyed it.
"I have made no secret that I feel that is my best position so I am happy to be back in there again and having an influence on the game. Hopefully I can continue this form that I'm in at the moment."
Chief to the Gunners' title-chasing form has been the selfless displays of Mesut Ozil.
The German has assisted a league-high 13 goals for his team-mates this season, and Ramsey is pleased to have his quality on his side.
"Ozil is an unbelievable player," he said. "He's a team player, you can see that by the amount of assists he's had.
"His vision and the weight of passes is exceptional so I'm delighted he is on my team.
Ramsey was speaking following Arsenal's annual Christmas visit to the Royal London and Whittington Hospitals, during which a number of players handed out presents to patients.
Watch Arsenal v Manchester City live on Monday Night Football, 7pm, Sky Sports 1 HD.