As we enter the international break Arsenal could not be in a stronger position. They reign top of the league, domestic and European, whilst stretching their unbeaten run to eleven. Achievements which earned manager and player of the month in September, for Wenger and Ramsey respectably.

With many players set to come back from injury, it is not often thought possible that you could return from internationals, with a stronger squad than when you left. But, for the Gunners midfield at least, players becoming fit during the break means that Arsene could have a midfield deluge once internationals return.

Midfield superpower

Recent performances have seen the midfield hailed as the next best thing by many. Showing an ‘exceptional bond’, it is thought that they could challenge the strength and depth of many of the European giants this season.

The balance of the midfield looks much improved from last year, with the introduction of Flamini being heavily praised for this. He has asserted himself straight into the first eleven, turning the midfield into the robust entity that was lacking last season.

The stability in the centre of the park means ‘established’ first team players, Jack Wilshere for example, whom bore the brunt of fan expectation in the past, will now have to fight for their place in the team. Strength of character will be tested across the squad.

The much talked about resurgence of Ramsey, will surely give Wenger a tough decision to make when deciding who to start in central midfield. It is inevitable for a players form to curveball as the season progresses, so it will be interesting to see whether Wilshere will take prominence in the managers thinking, as we enter squeaky bum time.

The timely return of Arteta gives the midfield a whole new dimension. With such diverse options it is not yet clear what the strongest midfield line would be, and the danger lies in losing the fluidity which has been seen so far this season.

Returning players

With Cazorla, Walcott and Podolski all nearing return after the international break, options on the wing will once again be abundant. This means a starting place in the team cannot be taken for granted by anybody.

With Walcott likely to take command of the right hand side, as Chamberlin faces a longer layoff than the others, the main battle will be for the left wing. In the past, Cazorla has been favoured and the little Spaniard will most likely take the reigns.

The prospect of Cazorla linking up with Ozil is one for the purists. The ease at which Santi can turn defenders inside out, and the silk string on which he can cast a pass, gets the spine tingling.

Podolski will no doubt have his say, the advantage of having two Germans playing up the field together is a good one. His direct style will be welcomed down the left, at times when we are up against it, and he remains one of our biggest goal threats. The main point here however, is that we will have options on the bench that we haven’t seen for years.

Managing the competition

Competition within the squad is generally seen as a positive, however, maintaining the confidence throughout the team is not so easy, especially when every player wants to play week in week out. Although it is a problem that many profess is good to have, it has to be managed in the right way.

The character of the team is what has impressed most throughout the first part of the season, and this will be vital if players are to step up and embrace the competition in the squad. Arteta is one of those who is relishing the battle for a starting place.

"Competition makes everyone work harder. So it is a great thing, it raises the level of training, and that will raise the level of games. When it's tough, everyone is 100 per cent every game, and that is a big difference."

It is this kind of mentality that seems to be reverberating around the squad at the moment. Since his arrival, Ozil has picked up on the fact that the Arsenal dressing room is far less egotistical than the one he left in Madrid. The new found confidence throughout the ranks can largely be attributed to the Germans arrival at the club.

Rotation is going to be key, especially going into a very tough fixture schedule throughout November. This does risk losing the momentum that has been built during the start of the season, but, the depth and the variety that the Arsenal midfield now possesses is on a par with the top teams in the Premiership, keeping it well-oiled will be the test for Wenger.

Who would be in your first choice Arsenal midfield?

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